Patent ID: 7445178

Claim:
A powered nose aircraft wheel system for an aircraft comprising: aircraft nose landing gear extending from the aircraft; at least one wheel axel coupled to said landing gear; at least one wheel coupled to said at least one wheel axel; at least one electric wheel motor coupled to said at least one wheel axel and said at least one wheel, wherein said at least one wheel motor comprises a rotor and a stator, and performs as at least one of a motor, a generator, and a brake; a drive assembly coupled to said at least one wheel motor and said at least one wheel and transferring energy therebetween wherein said drive assembly comprises a dual activated engagement mechanism for forward and reverse operation which is adapted to permit a wheel to freely spin during a high speed condition and to be used as a source of rotational energy for regenerative energy return and to be pre-spun prior to landing of the aircraft to minimize wear and system shock upon touchdown; an auxiliary power unit or a ground based power supply and delivery system, said at least one wheel motor coupled to and receiving power from said auxiliary power unit or ground based supply; and a controller coupled to said at least one wheel motor and rotating said at least one wheel.