A wearable system, such as a footwear system, can employ a generator. The generator can be an electro-mechanical generator with a portion that spins to create an electricity. The portion that spins can be spun in such a manner that it does not stop, but instead a next spin beings before a previous spin completes. This can repeat until the generator reaches a terminal velocity.

A brake module is provided. The brake module is for braking at least one omnidirectional wheel, and the omnidirectional wheels include at least one major wheel and a plurality of minor wheels. The brake module includes a base, a first brake arm, a first major brake block and a first minor brake block. The first major brake block is disposed on the first brake arm. The first minor brake block is disposed on the first brake arm. When the first brake arm is in a first orientation, the first major brake block and the first minor brake block are separated from the omnidirectional wheel, and when the first brake arm is in a second orientation, the first major brake block abuts the major wheel, and the first minor brake block abuts one of the minor wheels.

A brake module is provided. The brake module is for braking at least one omnidirectional wheel, and the omnidirectional wheels include at least one major wheel and a plurality of minor wheels. The brake module includes a base, a first brake arm, a first major brake block and a first minor brake block. The first major brake block is disposed on the first brake arm. The first minor brake block is disposed on the first brake arm. When the first brake arm is in a first orientation, the first major brake block and the first minor brake block are separated from the omnidirectional wheel, and when the first brake arm is in a second orientation, the first major brake block abuts the major wheel, and the first minor brake block abuts one of the minor wheels.

An omni-wheel may include a shaft, a plurality of rollers, and a braking device. The plurality of rollers may be circumferentially arranged about the shaft and arranged radially outward from the shaft. The braking device may include a fluid-filled bladder and a plurality of braking pads. The fluid-filled bladder may be circumferentially arranged about the shaft. The plurality of braking pads may be arranged between the fluid-filled bladder and the plurality of rollers. The fluid-filled bladder may expand radially outward when pressurized, displacing the plurality of braking pads radially outward to contact the plurality of rollers, preventing rotation of the rollers.

An omni-wheel may include a shaft, a plurality of rollers, and a braking device. The plurality of rollers may be circumferentially arranged about the shaft and arranged radially outward from the shaft. The braking device may include a fluid-filled bladder and a plurality of braking pads. The fluid-filled bladder may be circumferentially arranged about the shaft. The plurality of braking pads may be arranged between the fluid-filled bladder and the plurality of rollers. The fluid-filled bladder may expand radially outward when pressurized, displacing the plurality of braking pads radially outward to contact the plurality of rollers, preventing rotation of the rollers.

A tread brake assembly for a rail car includes at least one brake block for pressing against a tread of a corresponding rail car wheel, a piston actuator powered by a fluid for driving the tread brake assembly, a brake rigging for transferring a braking stroke from the actuator piston to the at least one brake block, at least one sensor device for measuring at least one parameter of the tread brake assembly, and the tread brake assembly further includes a stroke detector having an active state in which the stroke detector activates the sensor device, wherein the stroke detector is configured to enter its active state upon detecting a force, stress, strain or motion of the brake block, the brake rigging and/or the actuator.

A brake assembly for a rail car includes at least one brake element for pressing against a rotor of a rail car wheel in case of a braking action; an actuator for driving the brake element, a linkage for transferring a braking force from the actuator to the brake element, at least one sensor device for measuring at least one parameter of the brake assembly, and the brake assembly further includes a trigger unit configured to enter its active state when a braking action occurs, wherein trigger unit activates the sensor device in the active state.

A vehicle is disclosed for providing increased friction between the wheels of a vehicle and the ground. An example vehicle includes an anti-lock brake system, inertial sensor, and wheels. The vehicle also includes a computing system configured to deploy aggregate to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that a vehicle traction value is below a first threshold. The computing system is also configured to, after deploying the aggregate, deploy a friction mat to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that the vehicle traction value remains below a second threshold.

A vehicle is disclosed for providing increased friction between the wheels of a vehicle and the ground. An example vehicle includes an anti-lock brake system, inertial sensor, and wheels. The vehicle also includes a computing system configured to deploy aggregate to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that a vehicle traction value is below a first threshold. The computing system is also configured to, after deploying the aggregate, deploy a friction mat to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that the vehicle traction value remains below a second threshold.

Apparatus for covering product containers loaded in a cargo container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an automated cord reel including a spool and a motor configured to drive the spool. The spool when activated reels in a cord attached to a cargo blanket to spread the cargo blanket over product containers in the cargo container in a smooth motion and/or relatively constant speed to prevent snagging on the product containers. The automated cord reel may be configured as a mobile unit with wheels. A brake system may be provided to prevent movement of the automated cord reel during operation. The automated cord reel may have a battery to provide electric power to the motor. A magnetic floor brake may be configured to hold a cart body in a selected position.