Abstract: An electric motor comprises: a stator; a rotor having a rotor shaft; and a transmission coupled to the rotor shaft, wherein when the rotor shaft rotates in a first direction an output shaft of the transmission rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction with a first gear ratio, and wherein when the rotor shaft rotates in the second direction the output shaft of the transmission rotates in the second direction with a second gear ratio different from the first gear ratio.

Abstract: A gear assembly is provided that simplifies the integration of a differential assembly into the hollow rotor of an electric motor. The gear assembly utilizes a hollow cross member that includes a central portion and a plurality of hollow extension members onto which the gears are mounted. Within each of the hollow extension members is a pin. When the pins are withdrawn, the assembly fits unimpeded within the hollow rotor. When the pins are partially extended out of the corresponding extension members, the ends of the pins fit within apertures in the rotor. A plug fits within a centrally located thru-hole in the central portion of the hollow cross member, thereby locking the pins in the extended position and locking the gear assembly in place.

Abstract: A gear assembly is provided that simplifies the integration of a differential assembly into the hollow rotor of an electric motor. The gear assembly utilizes a hollow cross member that includes a central portion and a plurality of hollow extension members onto which the gears are mounted. Within each of the hollow extension members is a pin. When the pins are withdrawn, the assembly fits unimpeded within the hollow rotor. When the pins are partially extended out of the corresponding extension members, the ends of the pins fit within apertures in the rotor. A plug fits within a centrally located thru-hole in the central portion of the hollow cross member, thereby locking the pins in the extended position and locking the gear assembly in place.

Abstract: A gear assembly is provided that simplifies the integration of a differential assembly into the hollow rotor of an electric motor. The gear assembly utilizes a hollow cross member that includes a central portion and a plurality of hollow extension members onto which the gears are mounted. Within each of the hollow extension members is a pin. When the pins are withdrawn, the assembly fits unimpeded within the hollow rotor. When the pins are partially extended out of the corresponding extension members, the ends of the pins fit within apertures in the rotor. A plug fits within a centrally located thru-hole in the central portion of the hollow cross member, thereby locking the pins in the extended position and locking the gear assembly in place.

Abstract: A powertrain utilizing an active core motor with coaxially aligned planetary-differential-planetary gear assemblies is provided.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch assembly is provided that is mounted between the motor housing and the ring gear of a planetary gear assembly. During normal operation, the clutch assembly prevents rotation of the ring gear relative to the motor housing. In the event of a severe loading condition, the clutch assembly slips, thereby preventing excessive torque from being applied to the drive train and potentially damaging one or more drive train components.

Abstract: A powertrain utilizing an active core motor with coaxially aligned planetary-differential-planetary gear assemblies is provided.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch assembly is provided that is mounted between the motor housing and the ring gear of a planetary gear assembly. During normal operation, the clutch assembly prevents rotation of the ring gear relative to the motor housing. In the event of a severe loading condition, the clutch assembly slips, thereby preventing excessive torque from being applied to the drive train and potentially damaging one or more drive train components.

Abstract: A gear assembly is provided that simplifies the integration of a differential assembly into the hollow rotor of an electric motor. The gear assembly utilizes a hollow cross member that includes a central portion and a plurality of hollow extension members onto which the gears are mounted. Within each of the hollow extension members is a pin. When the pins are withdrawn, the assembly fits unimpeded within the hollow rotor. When the pins are partially extended out of the corresponding extension members, the ends of the pins fit within apertures in the rotor. A plug fits within a centrally located thru-hole in the central portion of the hollow cross member, thereby locking the pins in the extended position and locking the gear assembly in place.

Abstract: A dual speed gearbox is provided that utilizes hydraulically actuated one way clutches and a planetary gear assembly to shift between a direct drive configuration and an overdrive configuration.

Abstract: A compact planetary gear differential is provided that allows the sun gears to be placed in close proximity to one another. The inclusion of an idler gear that bridges the planet gears in each planetary gear set achieves a stronger gear set, and thus a differential configuration that is less susceptible to damage.

Abstract: An engine starter includes a gear assembly including a pinion gear. The engine starter further comprises an electric motor including an armature coupled to the gear assembly and configured to drive the gear assembly and the pinion gear. The armature includes a core member defining a central cavity extending in an axial direction within the core member. An armature shaft extends from the central cavity. A clutch arrangement is positioned in the central cavity. The clutch arrangement is configured to releasably couple the core member and the armature shaft.

Abstract: A planetary gear assembly includes a ring gear configured for connection to a rotor of an electric motor when in a first position and configured for connection to a housing of the electric motor when in a second position, a sun gear configured for connection to the housing when the ring gear is in the first position and configured for connection to the rotor when the ring gear is in the second position, and a plurality of planet gears configured to mesh with the ring gear and the sun gear.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a starter machine that includes a motor operatively coupled to a first shaft and a pinion coupled to a second shaft. In some embodiments, a planetary gear drive system can be coupled to the first and the second shafts. The planetary gear drive system can include a planetary gear system and a first clutch being substantially adjacent to a second clutch. The planetary gear drive system can be configured and arranged so that when the first clutch is engaged, the motor can move the pinion at a first rotational speed. The planetary gear drive system is further configured so that when the second clutch is engaged, the motor can move the pinion at a second rotational speed. In some embodiments, the first rotational speed is a greater rotational speed than the second rotational speed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a starter comprising a motor comprising a drive shaft, a pinion, and a clutch. In some embodiments, the starter includes a planetary gear coupled with the clutch. Some embodiments include a pinion speed sensor assembly configured and arranged to provide a signal related to the rotational speed of the pinion based upon a speed of a component of the starter that is coupled to the pinion. Some embodiments of the starter include a pinion rotational speed sensor located within the drive-end region of the starter, and configured and arranged for direct or indirect monitoring of the pinion. Some embodiments include a sensor that is configured and arranged to monitor one or more components of the clutch assembly, the drive-shaft, the pinion, the output shaft, or a planetary gear. The speed sensor can be a magnetic-field flux sensor assembly or an optical sensor assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a traction member associated with the chassis, and a drive system associated with the chassis and the traction member comprising an electric traction motor, a planetary gear assembly coupled to the electric traction motor, the planetary gear assembly comprising an output member coupled to the traction member, wherein rotation of the output member provides a drive torque for the traction member.

Abstract: A drive train component includes a housing having a plurality inner surfaces that collectively define an interior portion. A gear set is arranged within the interior portion. The gear set includes a first side and a second side. A gear shock control member is positioned between one of the first and second sides of the gear set and an adjacent component. The gear shock control member includes a plurality of pre-loaded biasing members that direct an axial force onto the gear set.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a stator defining a first interior space, a rotor positioned within the first interior space and configured for rotation relative to the stator, the rotor defining a second interior space, and a planetary gear assembly associated with the rotor and at least partially positioned within the second interior space.

Abstract: An engine starter includes a gear assembly including a pinion gear. The engine starter further comprises an electric motor including an armature coupled to the gear assembly and configured to drive the gear assembly and the pinion gear. The armature includes a core member defining a central cavity extending in an axial direction within the core member. An armature shaft extends from the central cavity. A clutch arrangement is positioned in the central cavity. The clutch arrangement is configured to releasably couple the core member and the armature shaft.

Abstract: An asynchronous boost assist system for a motor vehicle includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor positioned opposite the first electric motor and a differential gear system operatively connected to the first and second electric motors. The differential gear system includes a first differential gear set and a second differential gear set. The first differential gear set is operatively connected to the first and second electric motors and the second differential gear set is configured and disposed to operatively connect to first and second vehicle wheels. A controller is operatively connected to each of the first and second electric motors. The controller selectively independently controls an operational speed of each of the first and second electric motors to selectively provide an acceleration boost through the second differential gear set.