Abstract: An electric drive unit having an electric motor, a differential assembly, a transmission, which transmits rotary power between the electric motor and the differential assembly, a pair of axle shafts, which are drivingly coupled to output members of the differential assembly, and a housing assembly in which the electric motor, the differential assembly, the transmission, and the axle shafts are housed. The electric motor includes a stator, a rotor and a motor housing that houses the stator and the rotor. The motor housing is fixedly coupled the housing assembly. Bending loads transmitted through the motor housing are not transmitted through the electric motor.

Abstract: An electric drive axle system has an integral electric machine. An axle system includes a pair of output shafts and a motor with a rotor shaft disposed in line with the output shafts. A gearset is coupled between the rotor shaft and one output shaft. Another gearset is coupled between the rotor shaft and the other output shaft. Each gearset has a sun gear meshing with a set of planet gears supported on a carrier. The rotor shaft is fixed to the sun gears and the output shafts are fixed to the carriers. A clutch may alternately prevent or allow rotation of ring gears of the gearsets.

Abstract: An endless loop conveyor system is disclosed wherein a plurality of carriers are moved to one or more work stations and one or more buffer stations so that a product may be assembled on each carrier at the work stations. Power is extracted from a continuously moving belt by holding the belt against a power wheel with an L-shaped member. A variable ratio transmission having a pair of power transmitting wheels, one contacting the power wheel, the other contacting a drive wheel, uses the extracted power to accelerate or decelerate each carrier depending on the locations of contact. A non-contacting position is provided for rest at a work station.