Abstract: A multi-position clutch allows selectively coupling at least two of at least three rotatable shafts is described herein. The clutch comprises at least three cooperation elements respectively associated to one of the at least three rotatable shafts for selective engagement therebetween; the at least three cooperation elements are mounted to the at least three rotatable shafts so as to be sequentially positioned for selective coupling of at least two adjacent cooperation elements. An actuating mechanism is provided for selectively coupling at least two adjacent cooperation elements from the at least three cooperation elements.

Abstract: A temporary interconnection element to be installed between the rotor and the stator of a bearingless electric machine, for example during its transport, storage or assembly is described herein. The interconnection element is so designed that the rotor may be secured to an external assembly, such as for example the shaft of an internal combustion engine, before the element is removed from its interconnection position.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a series hybrid drive train for a vehicle comprising a traction motor, an electric generator, a three-position clutch (20) and a controller. The three-position clutch allows the generator to be connected to an internal combustion engine (12) of the vehicle, to the traction motor or to remain freewheeling. In a second aspect of the present invention, a four-position clutch is used to further allow the internal combustion engine to be connected directly to the wheels to thereby yield a series/parallel drive train. A third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of operating such a hybrid drive train.

Abstract: A multi-position clutch allows selectively coupling at least two of at least three rotatable shafts is described herein. The clutch comprises at least three cooperation elements respectively associated to one of the at least three rotatable shafts for selective engagement therebetween; the at least three cooperation elements are mounted to the at least three rotatable shafts so as to be sequentially positioned for selective coupling of at least two adjacent cooperation elements. An actuating mechanism is provided for selectively coupling at least two adjacent cooperation elements from the at least three cooperation elements.

Abstract: A multi-position clutch allows selectively coupling at least two of at least three rotatable shafts is described herein. The clutch comprises at least three cooperation elements respectively associated to one of the at least three rotatable shafts for selective engagement therebetween; the at least three cooperation elements are mounted to the at least three rotatable shafts so as to be sequentially positioned for selective coupling of at least two adjacent cooperation elements. An actuating mechanism is provided for selectively coupling at least two adjacent cooperation elements from the at least three cooperation elements.

Abstract: A temporary interconnection element to be installed between the rotor and the stator of a bearingless electric machine, for example during its transport, storage or assembly is described herein. The interconnection element is so designed that the rotor may be secured to an external assembly, such as for example the shaft of an internal combustion engine, before the element is removed from its interconnection position.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a series hybrid drive train for a vehicle comprising a traction motor, an electric generator, a three-position clutch (20) and a controller. The three-position clutch allows the generator to be connected to an internal combustion engine (12) of the vehicle, to the traction motor or to remain freewheeling. In a second aspect of the present invention, a four-position clutch is used to further allow the internal combustion engine to be connected directly to the wheels to thereby yield a series/parallel drive train. A third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of operating such a hybrid drive train.

Abstract: A multi-position clutch allows selectively coupling at least two of at least three rotatable shafts is described herein. The clutch comprises at least three cooperation elements respectively associated to one of the at least three rotatable shafts for selective engagement therebetween; the at least three cooperation elements are mounted to the at least three rotatable shafts so as to be sequentially positioned for selective coupling of at least two adjacent cooperation elements. An actuating mechanism is provided for selectively coupling at least two adjacent cooperation elements from the at least three cooperation elements.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine stator core for receiving a pre-formed stator winding includes a core body defining a cylindrical core main peripheral surface. A plurality of axially extending stator slots are circumferentially spaced in the core body. Each of the stator slots defines a slot first section extending radially from the slot base to a slot intermediate radial position and a slot second section extending radially from the slot intermediate radial position towards the core main peripheral surface. The slot first and second sections communicate with each other and are circumferentially offset relative to each other. The slot first and second sections are positioned, configured and sized to facilitate insertion therein of a corresponding conductor section of the stator winding with reduced needs for deforming the latter.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine stator core for receiving a pre-formed stator winding includes a core body defining a cylindrical core main peripheral surface. A plurality of axially extending stator slots are circumferentially spaced in the core body. Each of the stator slots defines a slot first section extending radially from the slot base to a slot intermediate radial position and a slot second section extending radially from the slot intermediate radial position towards the core main peripheral surface. The slot first and second sections communicate with each other and are circumferentially offset relative to each other. The slot first and second sections are positioned, configured and sized to facilitate insertion therein of a corresponding conductor section of the stator winding with reduced needs for deforming the latter.