Abstract

A transmission system including a first shaft (3), a first gear element (13) rotatably mounted on the shaft, a selector assembly (29) including first and second sets of engagement members (35,36) that are arranged to selectively lock the first gear element (13) for rotation with the first shaft (3), said selection including selecting from at least the following operational modes: lock the first gear element (13) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the clockwise and anti- clockwise directions; lock the first gear element (13) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in a clockwise direction and unlocked in an anti-clockwise direction; lock the first gear element (13) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the anti-clockwise direction and unlocked in the clockwise direction, wherein said gear element includes first and second parts (202,204) that are arranged to rotate relative to each other and a damping system (238,240), wherein the first part (202) includes a first set of drive formations (212), the second part (204) includes a second set of drive formations (220), wherein when selecting the first gear element (13) with one of the first and second sets of engagement members (25,36), that set of engagement members (35,36) is arranged to drivingly engage the second set of drive formations (220) to cause relative rotational movement between the first and second parts (202,204) of the gear element, the damping system (238,240) is arranged to damp the relative rotational movement between the first and second parts (202,204) of the gear element, and after some damping has occurred the engagement members are arranged to drivingly engage the first set of drive formations (212). A gear element (13) and a gear selector assembly (29) having a damping system (238,240) is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16D 3/80 - Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive in which a fluid is used
• F16D 23/02 - Arrangements for synchronisation

Abstract

A transmission system, for example for a vehicle. The transmission system includes an input shaft (3); first and second lay shafts (4,6); an output shaft (1); first and second torque paths (A'-C',B'-D') for transferring drive between the input shaft (3) and the first lay shaft (4), third and fourth torque paths (A'-E,B'-F') for transferring drive between the input shaft (3) and the second lay shaft (6), fifth and sixth torque paths (G'-K',H'-L') for transferring drive between the first lay shaft (4) and the output shaft (1 ), and seventh and eighth torque paths (I'-K',J'-L') for transferring drive between the second lay shaft (6) and the output shaft (1). The torque transfer means includes selector means (29,33 1a-d) arranged to selectively transfer drive along a selection of the first to eighth torque paths thereby transferring drive from the input shaft (3) to the output shaft (1), wherein the first and second lay shafts (4,6) are arranged substantially parallel to the input shaft (3) and the distance between the longitudinal axis of the input shaft (3) and the longitudinal axis of the first lay shaft (4) is different from the distance between the longitudinal axis of the input shaft (3) and the longitudinal axis o the second lay shaft (6).

IPC Classes  ?

• F16H 3/093 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts

Abstract

A transmission system, for example for a vehicle. The transmission system includes first, second, third and fourth shafts (3, 4, 6, 1), wherein the second and third shafts (4, 6) are lay shafts; a first gear train (8) for transmitting drive between the first and second shafts (3, 1) including a first gear element (B) rotatably mounted on the first shaft (3) and a second gear element (C) mounted on the second shaft (4); a second gear train (10) for transmitting drive between the first and third shafts (3, 6) including a third gear element (A) rotatably mounted on the first shaft (3) and a fourth gear element (D) mounted on the third shaft (8); and a third gear train (12) for transmitting drive between the second and fourth shafts (4, 1) and/or the third and fourth shafts (6, 1). The transmission system also includes a first selector assembly (29) arranged to selectively lock each of the first and third gear elements (B, A) for rotation with the first shaft (3) from operational modes that include the following modes: lock the gear element (B, A) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions; lock the gear element (B, A) for rotation with, the first shaft (3) in the clockwise direction and not lock in the anti-clockwise direction; and lock the gear element (B, A) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the anti-clockwise direction and not lock in the clockwise direction; and damping means (200) for damping engagement of the first and third gear wheels (B, A) by the first selector assembly (29).

IPC Classes  ?

• F16H 3/093 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts

Abstract

A transmission system including a first shaft (3), a first gear element (13) rotatably mounted on the first shaft (3) and a first gear selector assembly (29) including first and second sets of engagement members (35, 36) that are arranged to selectively lock the first gear element for rotation with the first shaft (3) from operational modes that include the following operational modes: lock the first gear element (13) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the forward and reverse torque directions; lock the first gear element (13) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the forward torque direction and not lock in the reverse torque direction; lock the first gear element (13) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the reverse torque direction and not lock in the forward torque direction; and wherein the first gear selector assembly (29) is arranged to adjust the radial positions of the first and second sets of engagement members (35, 36) relative to the first shaft (3) to selectively engage the first gear element (13) to select the operational modes.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16D 21/04 - Systems comprising a plurality of mechanically-actuated clutches for interconnecting three or more shafts or other transmission members in different ways with a shaft carrying a number of rotatable transmission members, e.g. gears, each of which can be connected to the shaft by a clutching member or members between the shaft and the hub of the transmission member
• F16D 41/16 - Freewheels or freewheel clutches with hinged pawl co-operating with teeth, cogs, or the like the action being reversible

Abstract

An inventory control system for monitoring the removal and replacement of inventory items. The inventory control system includes a container (2) for storing the inventory items and means for monitoring (12) the removal and replacement of inventory items from the container, wherein the container (2) includes at least one electronic system (12, 30), a docking bay (107), a cartridge (100) including an electronics module, said electronics module including a processor device and circuitry associated (14, 16, 28, 31) with the electronic system, and a connector device arranged to communicate electrical signals between the electronic system and the electronic module, said connector device having a first part that is electrically connected to the electronic system and a second part that is electrically connected to the electronics module (106), the first and second parts of the connector including complementary connector formations that are releaseably attachable to each other, wherein the docking bay (107) is arranged to receive and house the cartridge (100) and the cartridge is removable therefrom. A storage container (2) for storing inventory items and a process for repairing an inventory item container is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B25H 3/02 - Boxes

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an inventory item storage receptacle (7) for an inventory control system including at least one of said storage receptacles (7), said storage receptacle (7) having a plurality of inventory item storage locations (10), wherein each of the storage location (10) comprises an individually-shaped recess for receiving a specific inventory item, the shape of the recess being matched to the shape of the inventory item, a monitoring system (12) for monitoring the removal and replacement of the inventory items from the storage locations (10), and a data processing system (12,26) for recording the removal and replacement of inventory items from the recesses according to signals received from the monitoring system (12). The method includes forming the receptacle using a moulding process including providing a quantity of mouldable material (108;200) to form the body of the receptacle, moulding the mouldable material around each of the inventory items (114;208), or blanks/equivalents thereof (100;204), to be stored in the receptacle thereby forming the inventory item recesses in the body of the receptacle, and setting the mouldable material to fix the shape of the receptacle (116;210). An inventory control system including a storage receptacle is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B25H 3/02 - Boxes

Abstract

An inventory control system including a plurality of inventory item storage locations (10), an access system for controlling access to the inventory items, said access system including an input device (17) for entering the identity of a user, a monitoring system (12) for monitoring the removal and replacement of the inventory items from the storage locations, at least one locatable device (31) that is arranged to be carried by a user of the inventory control system and that is locatable by a positioning system (33), a positioning system (33) arranged to determine the location of the or each locatable device (31), and a data processing system (13,26) for recording the removal and replacement of inventory items and location data received from the positioning system (33) such that the movement of the or each locatable device (31) can be tracked.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 10/00 - AdministrationManagement

Goods & Services

Lockable metal boxes for tools; metal lockable chests for tools; containers of common metal for tools; tools boxes made of metal; metal boxes being containers for tools; metal tool chests; metal tool storage containers; metal boxes being containers for tools that recognise the presence and/or absence of tools; metal boxes being containers for tools that include tool management systems; metal boxes being containers for tools that include computerised and electronic systems; metal boxes being containers for tools that include recesses for tools with corresponding shapes; metal boxes being containers for tools that include electronic access systems including swipe cards and keypads; metal boxes being containers for tools including a communication interface for communicating with other electronic devices. Computer engineering consultancy services; consultancy services relating to product engineering; engineering consultancy; engineering consultancy for automotive components systems and accessories; computer aided engineering; computer modeling; engineering consulting for tool storage systems; computer aided design; engineering consultancy relating to computer programming, design, manufacture, materials, to design modelling testing; engineering design, and consultancy, technical consultancy services relating to marine engineering; engineering design and consultancy; advisory services relating to industrial design, design of engineering products, computer software design, design engineering, transmission systems, tool cabinets and systems to track hand tools; computer aided design engineering services; computer aided design for manufacturing operations; computer assisted engineering design; computer systems design; design feasibility studies; design of land vehicles; design of motor vehicle parts, storage systems, tools and tool storage units, tooling for the production of land vehicle parts; design services, design services for parts of machines, parts of motor vehicles, products, computer systems, electrical and electronic systems; engineering services relating to the design of electronic, systems; technical assessments relating to design; vehicle design services; vehicle engine design services.

Goods & Services

Lockable metal boxes for tools; metal lockable chests for tools; containers of common metal for tools; tools boxes made of metal; metal boxes being containers for tools; metal tool chests; metal tool storage containers; metal boxes being containers for tools that recognise the presence and/or absence of tools; metal boxes being containers for tools that include tool management systems; metal boxes being containers for tools that include computerised and electronic systems; metal boxes being containers for tools that include recesses for tools with corresponding shapes; metal boxes being containers for tools that include electronic access systems including swipe cards and keypads; metal boxes being containers for tools including a communication interface for communicating with other electronic devices. Computer engineering consultancy services; consultancy services relating to product engineering; engineering consultancy; engineering consultancy for automotive components systems and accessories; computer aided engineering; computer modeling; engineering consulting for tool storage systems; computer aided design; engineering consultancy relating to computer programming, design, manufacture, materials, to design modelling testing; engineering design, and consultancy, technical consultancy services relating to marine engineering; engineering design and consultancy; advisory services relating to industrial design, design of engineering products, computer software design, design engineering, transmission systems, tool cabinets and systems to track hand tools; computer aided design engineering services; computer aided design for manufacturing operations; computer assisted engineering design; computer systems design; design feasibility studies; design of land vehicles; design of motor vehicle parts, storage systems, tools and tool storage units, tooling for the production of land vehicle parts; design services, design services for parts of machines, parts of motor vehicles, products, computer systems, electrical and electronic systems; engineering services relating to the design of electronic, systems; technical assessments relating to design; vehicle design services; vehicle engine design services.

Abstract

An actuator system (46, 64) for actuating a gear selector assembly (29, 31, 33) in a transmission system. Said actuator system including a drive system (200, 218) having a driveshaft (202), an actuator member (206) for controlling the movement of at least one set of engagement members (35, 36) in the gear selector assembly (29, 31, 33), said actuator member (202) being mounted on the driveshaft (202) such that it can move rotationally and axially relative thereto, and a limiting system (238) for controllably adjusting the extent of allowable axial movement of the actuator member (206) on the driveshaft (202). In a preferred embodiment the limiting system (238) includes first and second blocking members (238) and is arranged to controllably adjust the extent of allowable axial movement of the actuator member (206) along the driveshaft (202) according to the rotational orientation of the first and second blocking members (238) relative to the actuator member (206).

IPC Classes  ?

• F16H 3/36 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially using gears that can be moved out of gear with a single gear meshable with any of a set of coaxial gears of different diameters

Goods & Services

Lockable boxes for tools; lockable chests for tools; containers for tools; tools boxes; tool cabinets; tool chests; tool storage containers; tool cabinets that recognise the presence and/or absence of tools; tool cabinets that include tool management systems; tool cabinets that include computerised and electronic systems; tool cabinets that include recesses for tools with corresponding shapes; tool cabinets that include electronic access systems including swipe cards keypads; tool cabinets including a communication interface for communicating with other electronic devices. Automatic gearboxes (other than for land vehicles); gear assemblies, other than for land vehicles; gear box casings, other than for land vehicles; gear boxes being parts of machines; gear boxes for hydraulic transmissions (other than for land vehicles); gear boxes (other than for land vehicles); gear cases, other than for land vehicles; gear change knobs, (other than for land vehicles); gear changing mechanisms for machines; gear couplings for machines; gear cutters (machines); gear cutting machines; gear transmissions, (other than for land vehicles); gear units for machines; gear units for power transmissions (other than for land vehicles); gear units for water vehicles; gearing for air vehicles; gears for water vehicles; gears, (other than for land vehicles). Automatic gearboxes for land vehicles, motor cars, and water vehicles; electric gear shifting apparatus for land vehicle motors; gear assemblies for land vehicles; gear boxes for air vehicles; gear boxes for hydraulic transmissions of land vehicles; gear boxes for land vehicles, water vehicles; gear cases for land vehicles; gear changing mechanisms for land vehicles and water vehicles; gear couplings for land vehicles and water vehicles; gear leaver knobs for land vehicles; gear transmissions for land vehicles; gear units for land vehicles; planetary gear transmissions for land vehicles; toothed gear transmissions for land vehicles; manual transmission systems; automatic manual transmissions; instantaneous transmissions systems. Computer engineering consultancy services; consultancy services relating to product engineering; engineering consultancy; engineering consultancy for automotive components systems and accessories; computer aided engineering; computer modelling; engineering consulting for tool storage systems; computer aided design; engineering consultancy relating to computer programming, design, manufacture, materials, to design modelling testing; engineering design and consultancy; technical consultancy services relating to marine engineering; engineering design and consultancy; advisory services relating to industrial design, design of engineering products, computer software design, design engineering, transmission systems, tool cabinets and systems to track hand tools; computer aided design engineering services; computer aided design for manufacturing operations; computer assisted engineering design; computer systems design; design feasibility studies; design of land vehicles; design of motor vehicle parts, storage systems, tools and tool storage units, tooling for the production of land vehicle parts; design services; design services for parts of machines, parts of motor vehicles, products, computer systems, electrical and electronic systems; engineering services relating to the design of electronic systems; technical assessments relating to design; vehicle design services; vehicle engine design services.

Abstract

A multi-path transmission system (88) for a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or other large vehicle that is arranged to perform instantaneous or substantially instantaneous gear changes. The transmission system (88) includes first and second shafts (1,3), a first gear element rotatably mounted on the first shaft (16), a first selector assembly (33) for selectively locking the first gear element (16) for rotation with the second shaft (3) from the following operational modes: lock the first gear element (16) for rotation with the second shaft (3) in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions; lock the first gear element (16) for rotation with the second shaft (3) in the clockwise direction and not lock in the anti-clockwise direction; and lock the first gear element (16) for rotation with the second shaft (3) in the anti-clockwise direction and not lock in the clockwise direction.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16H 3/10 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with one or more one-way clutches as an essential feature
• F16D 21/04 - Systems comprising a plurality of mechanically-actuated clutches for interconnecting three or more shafts or other transmission members in different ways with a shaft carrying a number of rotatable transmission members, e.g. gears, each of which can be connected to the shaft by a clutching member or members between the shaft and the hub of the transmission member

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. A gear selector assembly (29, 31, 33) that is arranged to selectively lock a gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) for rotation with a shaft (3) from the following operational modes: lock the gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) for rotation with the shaft (3) in the clockwise and anti¬ clockwise directions; lock the gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) for rotation with the shaft (3) in a clockwise direction and unlocked in an anti-clockwise direction; lock the gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) for rotation with the shaft (3) in the anti-clockwise direction and unlocked in the clockwise direction, wherein the selector assembly (29, 31, 33) includes a damping system (1100) that is arranged to damp locking of the gear element (13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25) for rotation with the shaft (3).

IPC Classes  ?

• F16D 23/02 - Arrangements for synchronisation
• F16D 3/80 - Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive in which a fluid is used
• F16D 3/76 - Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive with the coupling parts connected by one or more intermediate members shaped as an elastic ring centered on the axis, surrounding a portion of one coupling part and surrounded by a sleeve of the other coupling part
• F16D 3/66 - Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive with the coupling parts connected by one or more intermediate members comprising elastic elements arranged between substantially-radial walls of both coupling parts the elements being metallic, e.g. in the form of coils

Abstract

An inventory control system for monitoring the removal and replacement of inventory items. The system includes a camera system (12) and a data processing device (24) arranged to receive signals from the camera system (12), said data processing device (12) including image recognition means (32) for analysing the signals received from the camera system (12) to determine the presence and/or absence of the inventory items.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 10/00 - AdministrationManagement

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). A method for performing a gearshift in a transmission system having first and second gear elements (17,21) rotatably mounted on a first shaft (3), a first gear selector assembly (29) for selectively locking the first gear wheel (17) for rotation with the first shaft (3) and a second gear selector assembly (31) for selectively locking the second gear wheel (21) for rotation with the first shaft (3), wherein each gear selector assembly (29,31) includes first and second sets of engagement members (35,36) and an actuator system (38) for actuating the first and second sets of engagement members (35,36) for locking its respective gear wheel (17,21 ) for rotation the first shaft (3) from the following operational modes: lock the gear element (17,21) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions; lock the gear element (17,21) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in a clockwise direction and unlocked in an anti-clockwise direction; lock the gear element (17,21) for rotation with the first shaft (3) in the anti-clockwise direction and unlocked in the clockwise direction, and a control system (90) for controlling operation of the transmission system, including disengaging the unloaded set of engagement members (35,36) from the currently engaged gear element ( 17,21 ) prior to selecting the new gear element (17,21) with the other gear selector assembly (29,31).

IPC Classes  ?

• F16H 61/684 - Control functions within change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion specially adapted for stepped gearings without interruption of drive
• F16H 3/10 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with one or more one-way clutches as an essential feature
• F16H 63/30 - Constructional features of the final output mechanisms
• F16H 61/16 - Inhibiting shift during unfavourable conditions
• F16H 61/04 - Smoothing ratio shift
• F16H 61/02 - Control functions within change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion characterised by the signals used