Abstract: The present invention provides a bending machine for strip, webbing, or rod material comprising: an electronic control means; two cylinders, each acting selectively as a forming mandrel or a forming tool; an angular displacement means, controlling the orbit of the forming mandrel; and a feeding means, controlling the rate of material advancement; wherein a curvilinear profile of varying radii is formed in at least a portion of a material by varying the feed rate and the angular displacement, individually or in conjunction.

Abstract: The rolling mill comprises a pair of work rolls for rolling a plate material in the thickness direction, a guide for guiding the leading end of the plate material between the work rolls, and a rolling oil supply member for supplying rolling oil between the work rolls through a rolling oil passage formed within the guide. The rolling mill further comprises a temperature adjusted oil passage formed within the guide separately from the rolling oil passage, and a temperature adjusted oil supply member for applying temperature adjusted oil having a different temperature from the rolling oil to the work rolls through the temperature adjusted oil passage so as to control the crown rate of the work rolls, improving the controllability of the crown rate of the work roll.

Abstract: A high-pressure system for hydroshaping a hollow workpiece has a lower die and an upper die vertically shiftable above the lower die and forming therewith a cavity shaped to hold the workpiece. An upper actuating element bears downward via a vertically compressible hydraulic operating cylinder on the upper die. A spring-loaded pressure-storing cylinder is connected by a hydraulic line to the operating cylinder and to the workpiece. Downward shifting of the actuating element first closes the dies together, then internally pressurizes the workpiece via the line from the operating cylinder such that the workpiece deforms and shapes itself to the cavity, and then fills the spring-loaded pressure-storing cylinder. Subsequent upward shifting of the actuating element at first allows the pressure-storing cylinder to empty, and then entrains the upper die upward off the workpiece by the actuating element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torque support on oil collecting receptacles (2, 2?) in a region of a paired connection of spindle heads and roll necks (1, 1?) in rolling mill stands during adjustment thereof in both vertical and axial directions, with a respective attachment point on both upper and lower collecting receptacles (2, 2?). The new torque support consists of a one-piece strip (3) having, in particular, a rectangular cross-section and formed of flection-resistant material, and which is pivotally connected at an upper end with the upper oil collecting receptacle (2) in a vertical plane by an articulated joint (4) and, in a region of its lower end (9), is slidably guided in the pendulum plane in formlockingly compatible opening (5) of a guide link member (6) so that the distance and the inclination angle (?) change.

Abstract: A method of forming a part comprising the steps of forming a round sheet metal blank, pressing the sheet metal blank through a first forming die to form a blank, the blank having a bearing seat, the bearing seat having a bearing seat edge, pressing the blank through a second forming die using a mandrel applying a pressure to the bearing seat edge, and sequentially reducing the diameter of the blank by a single pass through the second forming die.

Abstract: A forged gear and a method of manufacture thereof. The forged gear comprises a bevel gear with a plurality of teeth, each tooth having a tip disposed between two faces and two ends, the two faces extending in a substantially longitudinal direction of the tooth, wherein the tip of each tooth has at least one substantially crowned portion between the two ends along the longitudinal direction. The method of manufacture comprises forging the gear from a blank such that during the forging operation a substantial portion of the length of each forged tooth tip does not contact the die cavity.

Abstract: A press-formed member includes a first wall with a first thickness, a second wall with a second thickness, and a first corner portion. The first corner portion is disposed between the first and second walls, with the first corner portion having an increased thickness formed by pressure-forming such that the increased thickness of the first corner portion is larger than the first and second thicknesses of the first and second walls adjacent to the first corner portion. In a manufacturing method for the press-formed member, a preliminary body structure to be deformed is provided, and the thickness of the first corner portion of the preliminary body structure is increased by applying pressure to the preliminary body structure.

Abstract: A sensor and a method for sensing a change in mass of a reflective microbeam in a sensor, the sensor having a reflective layer disposed on a substrate and spaced apart from the reflective microbeam. The microbeam receives amplitude modulated laser energy at a first wavelength and is photothermally excited into resonance at the frequency of amplitude modulation, the reflective microbridge and the reflective layer receive optical energy at a second wavelength and reflect the optical energy toward a receiver. A change in reflectivity of the microbeam at different frequencies is determined. A change in reflectivity indicates a change in resonant frequency of the microbeam. Mass of the microbeam changes when a chemoselective material on the microbeam sorbs a target chemical.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided that is suitable for use under the environment where mechanical shock is frequently applied. The data storage device includes plural storage units as closed structures each of which houses a storage medium therein, the storage medium being capable of moving relative to a head for access, an external force detection portion for outputting signals corresponding to external forces applied to the storage units in plural directions, and a controller for controlling the storage units. The storage units are arranged in such a manner that the storage units are different from one another in a direction of relative movement between the storage medium and the head, and the controller selectively makes one or more of the storage units perform an access operation in accordance with the signal outputted from the external force detection portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein a material or object to be tested is placed on a base support. A stopper assembly having a stopper tip on one end in contact with the test material or object, and a washer on the opposite end attached to a rod. A projectile is propelled with a selected level of force along the rod and impacts the washer, which transmits the force of impact through the stopper tip to the test material or object. The level of propelling force, the mass of the projectile, the construction of the stopper assembly and the location of impact on the test material or object may be precisely adjusted to simulate real-life impacts.

Abstract: A device for sensing hydrogen utilizes a palladium-nickel alloy of nanoparticles deposited on a substrate between two electrodes connected to an electrical circuit. As hydrogen is sensed the resistance of the device changes, which can then be measured and monitored.

Abstract: A flow measuring system is provided that provides at least one of a compensated mass flow rate measurement and a compensated density measurement. The flow measuring system includes a gas volume fraction meter in combination with a coriolis meter. The GVF meter measures acoustic pressures propagating through the fluids to measure the speed of sound ?mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or the reduced natural frequency. For determining an improved density for the coriolis meter, the calculated gas volume fraction and/or reduced frequency is provided to a processing unit. The improved density is determined using analytically derived or empirically derived density calibration models (or formulas derived therefore), which is a function of the measured natural frequency and at least one of the determined GVF, reduced frequency and speed of sound, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a wind force to a plurality of plants in an agricultural environment is provided to screen for selected wind-resistance traits in the plurality of plants. In one embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided including a generating device for creating a moving fluid stream to provide the wind force, a directing device, such as a duct and/or movable vane, for precisely and selectively directing the wind force towards a portion of at least one plant, and a controller for adjusting one or more parameters of the fluid stream. The device and/or method embodiments of the present invention may thus be used to selectively apply the wind force to one or more plants (or portions thereof) such that the plants may be evaluated with respect to one or more wind-resistant physical characteristics.

Abstract: A method for the detection of leaks in a heat exchanger having discrete flow paths for working fluid and heat exchange fluid, respectively, the method comprises introduction of a detection fluid within one of said flow paths and allowing air to flow through the other of said flow paths causing the detection fluid to pass in different directions in said one flow path, and detecting any detection fluid which has leaked from one flow path to said other flow path.

Abstract: In a leak test of an LNG tank by filling water, corrosion is prevented even if corrosive water such as sea water or filthy water is used, and the dissolution of zinc in water is restrained. A zinc-containing paint (18) is applied or a tape having a zinc-containing layer on the surface thereof is affixed to the surface of a weld zone (16, 14) of an inner wall (12) of the LNG tank, and corrosive water including sea water or filthy water is introduced into the LNG tank in the state in which the zinc-containing paint (18) or the zinc-containing layer forms the surface of the weld zone. The LNG tank is filled with the corrosive water, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the corrosive water is discharged from the LNG tank. In the case where the tape having a zinc-containing layer on the surface thereof is affixed, the tape is taken off, and then a flaw in the inner wall of LNG tank is detected.

Abstract: A ball penetrometer probe for in situ measurement of soft soil properties, particularly in the seabed, comprises a spherical body and slender shaft assembly, and either individually or in combination, an anti-friction sleeve enclosing the shaft and/or a peripheral porous ring on the spherical body with connecting internal passages through the shaft assembly, the shaft being adapted to attach to an electronic transducer module. The ball penetrometer is deployed to penetrate the soil bed, to continuously measure the soil bearing forces resisting penetration and withdrawal of the ball, to optionally measure the pore water pressure of the soil in contact with the ball and to transmit the measurement data from the probe to a remote operating station, either by wireless means such as an acoustic transducer or via a wired electrical connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analysis of a sample. The method includes an accessing operation for accessing a region of the sample via a tip of at least one probe mounted on a cantilever. A removing operation removes a sample material from the region that is accessed by the tip of the at least one probe mounted on the cantilever. A sensing operation senses a parameter associated to the removal of the sample material in the removing operation. The accessing, removing, and sensing operations are repeated to facilitate removal of at least one layer of the sample.

Abstract: Thin and short cantilevers possess both a low force constant and a high resonance frequency, thus are highly desirable for atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging and force measurement. According to some embodiments, the invention provides small silicon (Si) cantilevers integrated with a Si tip, for example fabricated from SOI wafers that are used for reducing the variation of thickness of the cantilevers. In one example, the fabrication process provided SOI chips containing 40 silicon cantilevers integrating with an ultra-sharp Si tip. The resolution of images obtained with these tips was much higher than those obtained with the commercial tips, while the force constants were much less, that is, more suitable for imaging soft samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire pressure sensor system that has multiple functions and is integrated into a small package. The system includes one or more Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS)-based sensors, including a MEMS-based pressure sensor; a MEMS-oscillator-based wireless signal transmitter; and a microcontroller, where the microcontroller processes the data generated by at least one of the MEMS-based sensors, controls at least one of the MEMS-based sensors, and controls the encoding and timing of transmission of data from the wireless signal transmitter. Preferably, the MEMS-based sensors, MEMS-oscillator-based wireless signal transmitter, and microcontroller are integrated onto one or more chips in one or more packages. The system also preferably includes a MEMS-based motion sensor, a low frequency (LF) receiver, an IC-based voltage sensor, a voltage regulator, a temperature sensor and a polarization voltage generator.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatuses and methods for determining the amount of liquid contained within a vessel. In one aspect, a liquid dispensing apparatus is provided comprising a pour spout mountable to an opening formed by a liquid containing vessel. A range sensor assembly is housed within the pour spout and comprises a trigger pulse source capable of receiving an actuation signal to thereby provide a trigger pulse and an echo pulse detector capable of providing an echo pulse detection signal. A microcontroller is provided in communication with the range sensor assembly. The microcontroller is configured to send an actuation signal to the trigger pulse source and to receive an echo pulse detection signal from the echo pulse detector, and, in a further aspect, can be configured to determine an elapsed time occurring between an actuation of the trigger pulse source and a subsequent detection of an echo pulse.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fluid properties with a distributed sensor in a wellbore having an inner surface, a top and a bottom comprising causing the distributed sensor to assume a helical shape, pulling the distributed sensor towards the bottom of the wellbore, while retaining the helical shape of the distributed sensor, feeding the distributed sensor into the wellbore so that the distributed sensor is in substantially continuous contact with the inner surface, and allowing the distributed sensor to become at least partially supported by friction at the inner surface.

Abstract: A Joint Combined Aircrew Systems Tester (JCAST) that can be used to test aircrew integrated life support equipment currently authorized for use by aircrew members of the Air Force, Navy and Army. The JCAST will be capable of Chemical/Biological seal testing of all the Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) variants including the Type 2 JSAM for high performance aircraft. Like traditional Testers, the JCAST is capable of Performance and Fit Testing of masks at pressure levels, including COMBAT EDGE (Combined Advanced Technology Enhanced Design “G” Ensemble), consistent with aircraft supply levels. The JCAST provides an apparatus and technique for accurately measuring a leak rate for an elastic body such as a chemical mask at 0.5 sccm at 6 IWG. The JCAST is portable and light weight while providing novel leak testing using pressure decay.

Abstract: A technique for correcting measurement error in data produced by a nacelle-based anemometer and for determining free stream wind speed for a wind turbine involves ascertaining parameters related to the wind turbine and the operation thereof, and using the parameters and data from the nacelle based anemometer as inputs to an algorithm to provide for determination of corrected wind speed data.

Abstract: A system designed to assist with the therapeutic treatment of subjects who have difficulty in walking, specifically those with a lack of sensation due to nerve damage or amputation, who are unable to tell when the foot makes contact with the floor. The system comprises a removable insole placed inside the shoe with proportionally senses touchdown; a miniature wireless transmitter which can be worn unobtrusively on the shoe; a miniature wireless receiver with tone generator which feeds an earpiece worn by the user; and a separate wireless receiver used by the therapist to monitor the same signal receiver by the user, in order to facilitate initial set-up and adjustments.

Abstract: A fluid flow detecting apparatus is disclosed for detecting a characteristic of fluid flowing in a fluid passage. The fluid flow detecting apparatus includes a sensor body that defines a bypass passage for flow of a portion the fluid flowing in the fluid passage. The apparatus also includes a sensor provided in the bypass passage for detecting the characteristic of the fluid flowing in the bypass passage and a plurality of plates. The sensor body is provided between the plurality of plates. Each of the plates has a width dimension oriented approximately along the direction of flow of fluid flowing in the fluid passage. The width of the plates is greater than a corresponding width dimension of the sensor body such that the sensor body is inside a region defined between the plates.

Abstract: A flow detecting device is provided to a fluid passage through which a main flow of fluid passes. The flow detecting device includes a sensor body, a heating element, a lead portion, and a guard member. The sensor body has a bypass passage through which a bypass flow is distributed partially from the main flow. The heating element is provided in the bypass passage. The lead portion connects with the heating element via a connecting portion. The heating element generates heat by being supplied with electricity via the lead portion for detecting the bypass flow in accordance with heat radiated from the heating element. The guard member is provided to an upstream of the connecting portion with respect to the bypass flow for deflecting the bypass flow from the connecting portion.

Abstract: A thermal air flowmeter having excellent temperature characteristics and improved measurement accuracy. The thermal air flowmeter comprises a temperature sensor disposed in a casing of the air flowmeter, a computing unit for correcting a flow rate detection voltage from a measuring element by using the temperature sensor, and heating temperature control means disposed in a temperature control circuit for performing temperature control of a heating resistor to vary a temperature rise of the heating resistor relative to an air temperature depending on the air temperature. Flow rate detection errors of the thermal air flowmeter caused by an overall temperature change and a temperature change on an intake passage wall surface can be corrected simultaneously and a thermal air flowmeter having superior measurement accuracy can be realized.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection and transfer system, comprises a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. A method of regulating a fluid level of a biological fluid sample in a container during a process of transferring biological matter in the fluid sample to a specimen slide, the method comprises monitoring a pressure of an interior chamber of a specimen filter, the chamber coupled to a vacuum source and having one end submerged in the fluid sample, determining a fluid level of the fluid sample in the container based on a detected change in pressure of the specimen filter chamber, and adding a liquid to the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level.

Abstract: A liquid level detector 10 includes a liquid guiding pipe 14 that guides a liquid in a tank to an inside thereof in such a manner that a liquid level of the guided liquid conforms to a liquid level of the liquid in the tank, and a branching liquid guiding pipe 15 for detecting a liquid level, which branches off from the liquid guiding pipe to guide the liquid into an inside thereof in such a manner that a liquid level of the guided liquid conforms to a liquid level of the liquid in the tank. The branching liquid guiding pipe 15 is provided with position sensors 16 (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) for detecting the liquid level of the liquid in the branching liquid guiding pipe 15. On a part where the liquid guiding pipe 14 and the branching liquid guiding pipe 15 are connected to each other, there is disposed a bubble passage prevention member 17 of a porous plate shape, which prevents bubble generated in the liquid from entering the branching liquid guiding pipe 15.

Abstract: A method of determining a fluid or material level. The method comprises the steps of: providing, at a first frequency, a current operatively capable of changing a capacitor; charging at least first and second capacitive devices to a predetermined voltage using the provided current; measuring the amount of current respectively necessary to charge the first and second capacitive devices to the predetermined voltage; determining a liquid level based on the measured signals from charging the first and second capacitive devices; and varying the first frequency.

Abstract: An ergonomic inertial positioning system comprises a motion sensor, an angle sensor, and a processor. The motion sensor detects movement of an object. The angle sensor detects angle variation of the heading of the object. The processor determines motion status of the object based on detected data provided by the motion sensor and the angle sensor, and calculates displacement of the object utilizing the detected angle variation thereof based on the motion status.

Abstract: A method and system for microstructural evaluation and degradation evaluation of an object are provided. The method comprises insonifying at least one subvolume of the object with ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and acquiring receive energy from the object at the fundamental frequency and at least one harmonic frequency thereof. A nonlinearity parameter is determined using the receive energy. The nonlinearity parameter is then used to determine a grain size for the subvolume of the object and a variation of the grain size within the object. The nonlinearity parameter is also used to determine fatigue damage or a residual stress.

Abstract: A method of examining a steam generator heat exchange tube from the outside surface employing ultrasonic nondestructive inspection techniques. An ultrasonic transducer contacts the outside surface of the tube and transmits a pseudo helical Lamb wave into the wall of the tube chosen to have a mode that does not significantly interact with water in the tube. The reflected waves are then analyzed for changes in modes to identify defects in the wall of the tube.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device and related methods, with one embodiment comprising a micro-electromechanical structure fabricated as a plurality of members respectively resonant at different frequencies so that the structure can respond to a number of different vibration frequencies. Piezoelectric material converts the vibrations into an electric voltage difference across at least a portion of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to tapered reference standards, and methods for their manufacture and use. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for tapered, composite materials may include a member having at least one tapered section. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The tapered reference standards may substantially mimic the affect on ultrasonic sound passing through tapered sections in composite laminates.

Abstract: Capacitive sensors using liquid metals can be fabricated using MEMS device design and fabrication techniques. Movement of the liquid metal in response to a stimulus can provide measurable changes in capacitance of the devices.

Abstract: A fluid system pressure indicator is adapted for use in fluid systems having a filter element. The fluid system force indicator includes a housing partitioned to be exposed to the fluid system to provide transmission of a mechanical force between these partitioned environments to indicate the fluid pressure. This exterior shape change is such that it can be identified through tactile means not requiring visual identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one strain property of a web running on a machine for the production of a fibrous web, said method including the following steps: conveying the web via at least two consecutive driven rollers, wherein the web between consecutive driven rollers is unsupported respectively at least in sections; determining the tensile force in the web between the consecutive rollers; determining the differential speed of the consecutive rollers in relation to each other; and, determining the at least one strain property of the web conveyed between the driven rollers with account taken of the at least one differential speed and the at least one tensile force.

Abstract: A plurality of particles are densely packed as an array on a flexible substrate. As at least a portion of the substrate responds mechanically to an external stimulus, the coated substrate is useful as a sensor device to the extent that the mechanical response produces a separation between particles resulting in a measurable change in the physical properties of the array. Preferably the particles are conductive, spherical and of nano-scale for greater sensitivity. When the array comprises closely packed conductive nano-particles deformation of the substrate disturbs the electrical continuity between the particles resulting in a significant increase in resistivity. The various optical properties of the device may exhibit measurable changes depending on the size and composition of the nano-particles, as well as the means for attaching them to the substrate.

Abstract: Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a magnetic drag force between a ferromagnetic sample that is or has been in motion relative to one or more measurement magnets are described. Such sensors include at least one measurement magnet and a sensing element operably associated therewith, such that upon or after exposure of the measurement magnet(s) to a ferromagnetic sample in motion relative thereto, the sensor can sense the drag force, if any, or changes therein, experienced by the measurement magnet. Devices for detecting and/or measuring magnetic drag force that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices.

Abstract: A seal checker capable of reliably detecting a faulty seal at a vertical seal portion of a packaging bag or a portion thereof covered by the vertical seal portion is provided. A lower transfer conveyor conveys a packaging bag such that a vertical seal portion thereof moves along the conveyance direction. The upper and lower transfer conveyors sandwich and press the packaging bag therebetween. A servo motor detects the distance between the transfer conveyors when the packaging bag is pressed thereby. A control unit determines the seal properties of the packaging bag based on the distance detected by the servo motor. A gap is provided on a conveyance surface of one of the transfer conveyors to which the vertical seal portion faces, which extends in the conveyance direction and prevents the vertical seal portion from being pressed.

Abstract: An easily packaged torque monitoring system accurately captures driveline torque data for use by engine, transmission or other vehicle controllers. The torque monitoring system utilizes a structural member to hydraulically connect a driving member with a driven member. A pressure-sensing device is operatively connected with a fluid chamber in the structural member through which the driving member drives the driven member. The pressure-sensing device senses a pressure level within the chamber. The amount of torque transmitted from the driving member to the driven member is directly linearly related to the sensed pressure. In one embodiment, the pressure-sensing device is a surface acoustic wave sensor in contact with the hydraulic fluid that wirelessly relays a sensor signal (i.e., a signal with a value corresponding with sensed pressure and thus with torque) to a controller.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a weight sensor comprising force-translating elements cooperating in a levered manner that are arranged at least in part asymmetrical to an imaginary center plane of the weight sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaking individual sample containers including an upper end with an opening and a lower closed end, the apparatus including a holder with which the sample container can, with its lower end, be brought into engagement such that, when the holder moves, the lower end of the sample container is also moved; a drive connected to the holder and moving the holder for shaking the sample container in a, particularly, horizontal plane; a sensor which, once a sample container is arranged at a defined position in the holder, generates a start signal and, once the sample container is removed from the defined position in the holder, generates a stop signal for the drive, wherein the drive is designed such that it continues to move the holder for a defined coast-down time after a stop signal has been generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A biological specimen filter, for use in a biological specimen collection and transfer system having a vacuum source, comprises a tubular body having an exterior surface, an interior chamber, a first end configured to couple to the vacuum source, and a second end having an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid trap extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and sized and shaped to catch fluid flowing along the exterior surface as the tubular body is inverted from a first position, in which the opening is submerged in a fluid source, to a second position, in which the opening is removed from the fluid source.

Abstract: A perforated mixing plate and is fluid passage are used in conjunction with a dilution tunnel to prevent particulate matter from collecting on the sampling system components. An inlet of a sampling probe is offset from the centerline of the dilution tunnel to a location corresponding to an average particulate matter concentration along a flow profile of a sample mixture to reduce the length of the dilution tunnel.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a structure are provided. The system includes a data system that is capable of providing information indicative of at least a portion of the structure. The system also includes a flexible display that is positioned proximate to the structure and in communication with the data system. The flexible display is capable of displaying an image indicative of at least a portion of the structure based on the information provided by the data system.

Abstract: A method of inspecting or utilizing tools in the underwater environment of a nuclear reactor vessel, a spent fuel pool or equipment pit includes floating a platform for transporting inspection devices and/or tools over an underwater target site and deploying the devices or tools to the underwater target site. The platform may be coupled to a boom whose opposite end is carried by a cart movable about a floor area surrounding the pool. Alternatively, the platform may be independently movable along the water surface by thrusters.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling engagement and disengagement of two dry plate friction clutches (5,8) in a transmission having two concentric input shafts (3,6) comprising one release bearing (22,23) for each clutch on the transmission side of the clutches and one release bearing (36,37) for each clutch on the engine side of the clutches. The release bearing on the transmission side controls the operation of the release bearings on the engine side for disengagement of the clutches by means of intermediate push rods (28,29) extending through openings in a rotating element (7) connected to one of the clutches.

Abstract: A two speed transmission includes an input shaft; a lay shaft spaced from the input shaft; a first gear train connecting the input shaft to the lay shaft; a second gear train connecting the lay shaft to an output shaft the gear train including a one way clutch or similar; and a clutch for engaging the input shaft with the output shaft. The transmission is arranged such that when the output shaft is disengaged from the input shaft power is transmitted to the output shaft via the first and second gear trains and the lay shaft. When the clutch is disengaged, power is transmitted from the input shaft via the gear trains and the lay shaft via the one way clutch to the output shaft which typically provides first or low gear for use in low speed maneuvering or where greater torque is required. With the clutch engaged, power may be transmitted from the input shaft directly to the output shaft to provide a second gear for when the watercraft is cruising.