Abstract: A two speed transmission system mounted for driving a marine craft comprising: an input shaft coupled in direct connection with a driveshaft of an engine of the marine craft; an output shaft coaxial with the input shaft coupled in direct connection with a driveline of the marine craft; a first gear train for transmitting drive at a fixed first gear ratio; a second gear train for transmitting drive at a fixed second gear ratio; a first friction clutch operable to engage/disengage the first gear train; and a second friction clutch operable to engage/disengage the second gear train, wherein in shifting between the first gear ratio and the second gear ratio one of the friction clutches is disengaged using controlled slippage while the other friction clutch is engaged using controlled slippage.

Abstract: A decoupler 10 having a rotatable input member 12 for coupling to a drive unit 13 and a rotatable output member 28 for coupling to an output drive, and a gear set 34 for transmitting drive from the rotatable input member 12 to the rotatable output member 28, wherein the decoupler 10 is operable to selectively isolate an input gear 36 of the gear set 34 from driving connection with the drive unit 13, and to selectively engage the input gear 36 into driving connection with the drive unit 13. The invention also relates to a method of transmitting torque and to a method of installing the decoupler 10.

Abstract: A drive system (10) including an internal combustion engine (12), a planetary gear-set (16), an electric motor (18) and a transmission (20), wherein the internal combustion engine (12) and the electric motor (18) each drive the transmission (20) via the planetary gear set (16), and the electric motor (18) drives a fluid pump (22) of the transmission (20). In a further embodiment there is disclosed a fluid pump for pumping fluid from a source to a destination, wherein first and second inlet conduits are provided between the source and the pump, first and second outlet conduits are provided between the pump and the destination, and each of the conduits is provided with a valve allowing fluid flow through the conduit in only one direction, such that when the fluid pump is rotated in a first direction fluid is pumped through the first inlet and outlet conduits, and when the fluid pump is rotated in a second opposite direction fluid is pumped though the second inlet and outlet conduits.

Abstract: Stand alone decoupling clutch (10) is used in drive shafts, eg of watercraft. Clutch (10) is separate from any gearbox, etc, does not change the direction of rotation of the drive shaft, and has a single clutch area which allows slippage at any speed or torque. Electronic control system (44) controls slippage of the clutch (10) providing for low speed operation, high energy launches, driveline protection, etc. Slip speed is controlled sensing input shaft speed (38) and the output propeller speed (40) and altering hydraulic pressure accordingly on a clutch-compressing piston by opening direct-acting, high flow, electro-hydraulic solenoids (36).

Abstract: A decoupler 10 having a rotatable input member 12 for coupling to a drive unit 13 and a rotatable output member 28 for coupling to an output drive, and a gear set 34 for transmitting drive from the rotatable input member 12 to the rotatable output member 28, wherein the decoupler 10 is operable to selectively isolate an input gear 36 of the gear set 34 from driving connection with the drive unit 13, and to selectively engage the input gear 36 into driving connection with the drive unit 13. The invention also relates to a method of transmitting torque and to a method of installing the decoupler 10.

Abstract: A two speed transmission system particularly for marine use includes a first clutch for connecting an input shaft to a co-axial output shaft, a lay shaft typically parallel to the input and output shafts, a first gear train for connecting the input shaft to the lay shaft for driving the same via the input shaft, and a second gear train connecting the lay shaft to the output shaft. The first clutch connects the input shaft to the output shaft; and a second clutch connects the input shaft to the output shaft via the lay shaft giving a gear ratio other than one to one. The gear trains are selected to provide a higher gearing i.e. faster spinning of the lay shaft when the second clutch is engaged. A control system receives inputs from various sensors including clutch pressure sensors, sensors measuring the speed of the input shaft and output shafts respectively and sensors providing information relating to the position of gears in the gear trains and controls the first and second clutches.