Abstract: A transmission system including first and second shafts (4, 2; 104, 102), a plurality of gear trains arranged to transfer drive between the first and second shafts, an instantaneous selector mechanism (46; 146), and at least one non-instantaneous selector mechanism (40, 44; 140, 144, 153, 157), wherein the instantaneous selector mechanism (46; 146) and the or each non-instantaneous selector mechanism (40, 44; 140, 144, 153, 157) are arranged to create torque paths between the first and second shafts (4, 2; 104, 102) via the gear trains, wherein each gear train is selectable when one other gear train is transmitting torque.

Abstract: A transmission system and method for operating the transmission system, where the transmission system includes a selector assembly arranged to select between gear ratios instantaneously without substantial power interruption. The selector assembly includes first and second sets of engagement members and an actuator system. The actuator system may have a first actuator member for moving the first set of engagement members, a second actuator member for moving the second set of engagement members, a first actuator device for actuating the first actuator member and a second actuator device for actuating the second actuator member independently of the first actuator device.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling rotatable bodies together includes first and second rotatable bodies, a plurality of coupling members for selectively coupling the first and second rotatable bodies together to transfer drive between the rotatable bodies, and an electro-magnetic actuator for controlling engagement of the coupling members. The coupling device can be incorporated into a transmission system, which includes first and second drive shafts, first and second gear sets mounted on the shafts for transferring drive between the shafts, a selector for selectively transferring drive between the first shaft and either the first or second gear set, and an electro magnetic actuator for controlling engagement of the engagement members and the drive formations.

Abstract: A transmission system including a first shaft (3), a first gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) rotatably mounted on the shaft (3), a selector assembly (29, 31, 33) arranged to selectively lock the first gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) for rotation with the first shaft (3) and a damping system (200; 300; . . . 1300) arranged to damp the locking of the first gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) with the first shaft (3). A gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) including first and second parts (202, 204; 302, 304; . . . 1002, 1004; 1202, 1204) that are arranged to rotate relative to each other and a damping system (200; 300; . . . 1000; 1300) for damping the relative rotational movement.

Abstract: A transmission system including first and second rotatable shafts, and means for transferring drive from one of the shafts to the other shaft including first and second gear wheels each rotatably mounted on the first shaft and having drive formations formed thereon, a selector assembly for selectively transmitting torque between the first shaft and the first gear wheel and between the first shaft and the second gear wheel, wherein the selector assembly includes an actuator assembly and first and second sets of engagement members that are moveable into and out of engagement with the first and second gear wheels independently of each other, said selector assembly being arranged such that when a driving force is transmitted, one of the first and second sets of engagement members drivingly engages the engaged gearwheel, and the other set of engagement members is then in an unloaded condition, wherein the actuator assembly is arranged to move the unloaded set of engagement members into driving engagement with the

Abstract: A transmission system including a gear train (7;9) and first and second instantaneous gear selector devices (29,31; 31,33), wherein the gear train is arranged to be selected by the first and second instantaneous gear selector devices (29,31; 31,33).

Abstract: A transmission system including first and second shafts (4, 2; 104, 102), a plurality of gear trains arranged to transfer drive between the first and second shafts, an instantaneous selector mechanism (46; 146), and at least one non-instantaneous selector mechanism (40, 44; 140, 144, 153, 157), wherein the instantaneous selector mechanism (46; 146) and the or each non-instantaneous selector mechanism (40, 44; 140, 144, 153, 157) are arranged to create torque paths between the first and second shafts (4, 2; 104, 102) via the gear trains, wherein each gear train is selectable when one other gear train is transmitting torque.

Abstract: A transmission system including a selector assembly (27,29,31) arranged to select between gear ratios instantaneously without substantial power interruption, said selector assembly (27) including first and second sets of engagement members (35,36) and an actuator system (38) having a first actuator member (48) for moving the first set of engagement members (35), a second actuator member (58) for moving the second set of engagement members (36), a first actuator device (46) for actuating the first actuator member (48) and a second actuator device (64) for actuating the second actuator member (58) independently of the first actuator device (46).

Abstract: A transmission system having a plurality of gear ratios, a selector assembly for selectively engaging the gear ratios, and a control system arranged to measure the amount of deformation caused by torque in the transmission system in at least one static component or assembly that is deformed due to torque in the transmission system, wherein the control system is arranged to measure deformation and to adjust the torque in the transmission system according to the measured deformation and a known relationship between the gear ratios, wherein the transmission system is arranged such that selection of a new gear ratio occurs almost instantaneously without substantial power interruption.

Abstract: A transmission having a plurality of gear ratios, a selector assembly for selectively engaging the gear ratios, a clutch device for selectively transmitting drive from a drive source to the transmission, and a control system for controlling a clutch torque limit, in which the control system automatically adjusts the clutch torque limit value before the selector assembly selects an unengaged gear ratio, to allow relative rotational movement between input and output sides of the clutch if the torque exceeds the predetermined value when the unengaged gear ratio is engaged by the selector assembly.

Abstract: An inventory control system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of inventory item storage locations, an access system for controlling access to the inventory items, where the access system includes an input device for entering the identity of a user, a monitoring system for monitoring the removal and replacement of the inventory items from the storage locations, at least one locatable device that is arranged to be carried by a user of the inventory control system and that is locatable by a positioning system, a positioning system, arranged to determine the location of the locatable device, and a data processing system for recording the removal and replacement of inventory items and location data received from the positioning system such that the movement of the or each locatable device can be tracked.

Abstract: An inventory control system and a method of manufacturing an item storage receptacle for the system is disclosed. The item storage receptacle has a plurality of individually-shaped recess for receiving specific inventory items. The storage receptacle may also have a monitoring feature for attaching a monitoring device configured to generate a signal for the system indicating whether the tool is present.

Abstract: A transmission system with a safety device for preventing lockup occurring. The transmission includes a first gear train (7) having a first gear element (17), a second gear train (9) having a second gear element (21), a first gear selector device (29) arranged for selecting the first gear element (29), a first actuator for controlling the operation of the first gear selector device, a second gear selector device (31) arranged for selecting the second gear element (21), a second actuator for controlling operation of the second gear selector device and a safety device (55) for preventing the first and second gear selector devices (29, 31) from simultaneously applying torque to the first and second gear elements (17, 21) in opposed directions.