Abstract: An apparatus includes a first rotor operatively connected to an output shaft and holding a first array of pole pieces; a second rotor operatively connected to an input shaft coaxially with the first rotor and holding a second array of pole pieces; and an array of field windings disposed coaxially with the first and second rotors. The array of field windings being arranged to interact magnetically with a harmonic frequency of the magnetic field of the first or second array of pole pieces in a magnetically geared manner and being selectively energizable to control electromagnetic coupling of the first array of pole pieces with the second array of pole pieces, and thereby to transfer at least one of torque and speed from the input shaft to the output shaft.

Abstract: A drive train for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a low speed shaft connected to blades of the wind turbine and a higher speed shaft connected to a generator. The drive train also includes a bearing that substantially supports the weight of at least the low speed shaft. A compound planetary gear stage is connected to the low speed shaft and the higher speed shaft, and includes a rotating carrier, a non-rotating ring gear, a plurality of planetary gears, and a rotating sun gear. The sun gear is connected to the higher speed shaft.

Abstract: A drive train for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a low speed shaft connected to blades of the wind turbine and a higher speed shaft connected to a generator. The drive train also includes a bearing that substantially supports the weight of at least the low speed shaft. A compound planetary gear stage is connected to the low speed shaft and the higher speed shaft, and includes a rotating carrier, a non-rotating ring gear, a plurality of planetary gears, and a rotating sun gear. The sun gear is connected to the higher speed shaft.

Abstract: An axle assembly including a housing, a tire supporting hub mounted for rotation with respect to the housing, a drive axle and a planetary unit for coupling the drive axle to the tire supporting hub. The planetary unit includes a sun gear, at least one planet gear and a ring gear, with the planet gear being in co-meshing engagement with the sun and ring gears. Damping material is used to inhibit or reduce the transmission of vibrations produced by the gear meshes during vehicle operation to the planetary unit cover. In one construction, the planetary unit includes a cover portion and a carrier portion with damping material, such as copper, disposed between the portions. In another construction, bushings made from damping material, such as brass or bronze, are disposed between the planetary gear (or gears) and the pin member which supports the planetary gear.

Abstract: An axle assembly including a housing, a tire supporting hub mounted for rotation with respect to the housing, a drive axle and a planetary unit for coupling the drive axle to the tire supporting hub, such that rotation in the axle produces rotation in the hub. The planetary unit includes a sun gear, at least one planet gear and a ring gear, with the planet gear being in co-meshing engagement with the sun and ring gears. Damping material is used to inhibit or reduce the transmission of vibrations produced by the gear meshes during vehicle operation to the planetary unit cover. In one construction, the planetary unit includes a cover portion and a carrier portion with damping material, such as copper, disposed between the portions. In another construction, bushings made from damping material, such as brass or bronze, are disposed between the planetary gear (or gears) and the pin member which supports the planetary gear.