Abstract: A gear reduction unit for coupling the output member of a prime mover to the input member of a device that is to be driven thereby. The gear reduction unit includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a primary gear set arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft, a secondary gear set arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft, and a gear selection device. The gear selection device is configured to selectively and alternately couple the input shaft to the output shaft for driving thereof by one of the primary gear or the secondary gear set.

Abstract: An architecture for coupling an output member from a prime mover to an input member of a device to be driven. The architecture includes a torque transfer device defining an indirect coupling for transferring torque therethrough, a direct drive connection member providing a direct coupling for transferring torque therethrough, and a dynamically controllable clutch that selectively and rotationally drives either the torque transfer device or the direct drive connection member. The torque transfer device is rotatably disconnected from the dynamically controllable clutch and undriven when the dynamically controllable clutch is driving the direct drive connection member.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first clutch having a first translator and a friction pack and a second clutch having first and second coupling members, a locking element, and a second translator. The friction pack includes a first plate fixed to the first coupling member and a second plate fixed to the second coupling member. The first translator of the first clutch is movable to an actuated position in which the plates of the friction pack are engaged with one another thereby causing angular velocities of the first and second coupling members to be synchronized. The second translator of the second clutch is movable to an extended position in which the locking element engages the first and second coupling members with one another thereby causing a power flow path through the first and second coupling members.

Abstract: An axially oriented, two-position linear actuator includes a fixed stator having a single stator coil and a linear movable translator. The linear actuator is oriented axially in that the stator and the translator are axially offset from one another and the translator is axially movable between first and second end positions toward and away from the stator. For the translator to move between the end positions, the stator coil attracts or repels the translator depending on the polarity of the electrical current of the stator coil. The linear actuator may be part of a clutch assembly, such as a dynamically controllable clutch, for use in controlling coupling members of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: An axially oriented, two-position linear actuator includes a fixed stator having a single stator coil and a linear movable translator. The linear actuator is oriented axially in that the stator and the translator are axially offset from one another and the translator is axially movable between first and second end positions toward and away from the stator. For the translator to move between the end positions, the stator coil attracts or repels the translator depending on the polarity of the electrical current of the stator coil. The linear actuator may be part of a clutch assembly, such as a dynamically controllable clutch, for use in controlling coupling members of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first clutch having a first translator and a friction pack and a second clutch having first and second coupling members, a locking element, and a second translator. The friction pack includes a first plate fixed to the first coupling member and a second plate fixed to the second coupling member. The first translator of the first clutch is movable to an actuated position in which the plates of the friction pack are engaged with one another thereby causing angular velocities of the first and second coupling members to be synchronized. The second translator of the second clutch is movable to an extended position in which the locking element engages the first and second coupling members with one another thereby causing a power flow path through the first and second coupling members.