Abstract: A variable speed maximal torque transmission includes a planetary gear set made up of a peripheral ring gear enmeshing multiple planet gears. A sun gear simultaneously engages the planet gears. A carrier operative as a transmission output is in mechanical communication with the planetary gear set. The carrier is operative to power a drive wheel of a vehicle. A main motor is in mechanical drive communication with the sun gear and an auxiliary motor drives the peripheral ring gear.

Abstract: In a differential/mechanism for transmitting power from a drive shaft to the axle shafts of a motor vehicle, a shim cap surrounding the end of the axle shaft is located between a differential pinion shaft and a slotted washer seated within recesses formed on the axle shaft and on the side bevel gear, the shim cap having a crown whose thickness fills the axial space between the inner end of the axle shaft and the pinion shaft. The shim cap limits the range of axially inward movement of the axle shaft.

Abstract: In a driven axle assembly (12) for a motor vehicle that includes a differential housing located substantially in the center of the axle and tubes (16, 17) extending laterally from the differential, surrounding axle shafts (20) and opening into a lubricant reservoir (60) in the differential housing, a system for circulating and cooling axle lubricant includes a cover (26) for closing and sealing the housing having an aperture into the housing where a ring gear rotates through the lubricant reservoir. The aperture in the cover opens to a chamber that holds lubricant carried through the aperture by the rotating ring gear. Conduits (72, 74) connected by hydraulic fittings (76, 78) to the chamber have their opposite ends connected to the axle tubes at an outboard location distant from the differential housing. Lubricant flows through the conduits into the axle tubes and back to the housing reservoir, effectively cooling the lubricant without the addition of a pump.