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.