Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication means for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers. The plurality of game controllers are located in proximity to the large display screen such that it is visible to game players manipulating the game controllers while playing the multi-player game.

A variable-speed accelerator includes: an electric device that generates a rotational driving force; and a planetary gear transmission device that changes a speed of the rotational driving force to a constant-speed input shaft and a variable-speed input shaft, and transmits the rotational driving force to a driving target via an output shaft, wherein the electric device includes a constant-speed electric motor including a constant-speed rotor that rotates the constant-speed input shaft in a second direction, and a variable-speed electric motor that includes a variable-speed rotor connected to the variable-speed input shaft, which functions as a generator in a generator mode and as an electric motor in an electric motor mode, and which rotates the output shaft at a maximum rotational speed by rotating the variable-speed rotor at the maximum rotational speed in a first direction.

A hydro-mechanical hybrid transmission device and a control method thereof are provided. The device includes an input shaft, a split mechanism, a mechanical transmission assembly, a hydraulic transmission assembly, and an output shaft, wherein the input shaft is connected, through the split mechanism, to the mechanical transmission assembly and the hydraulic transmission assembly that are connected in parallel, and the mechanical transmission assembly and the hydraulic transmission assembly are both connected to the output shaft. The mechanical transmission assembly includes a front planetary-gear-set assembly and a rear planetary-gear-set assembly. The front planetary-gear-set assembly and the rear planetary-gear-set assembly are connected in series. The control method includes three modes of transmission: pure hydraulic transmission, hydro-mechanical hybrid transmission, and pure mechanical transmission are implemented through combination and engagement/disengagement of gear-shift components.

A gearbox assembly includes a housing, a first shaft assembly having a worm gear and supported relative to the housing by a first bearing assembly, and a second shaft assembly including a wheel gear which is also supported relative to the housing by a second bearing assembly, the wheel gear engaging with the worm of the worm gear to permit the transfer of torque between the two shaft assemblies, wherein the first shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft carrying the worm gear, and a separate dog drive mechanism secured to one end of the elongate shaft by the first bearing such that in use torque is transferred between the elongate shaft and the dog drive mechanism.

A hydro-mechanical hybrid transmission device and a control method thereof are provided. The device includes an input shaft, a split mechanism, a mechanical transmission assembly, a hydraulic transmission assembly, and an output shaft, wherein the input shaft is connected, through the split mechanism, to the mechanical transmission assembly and the hydraulic transmission assembly that are connected in parallel, and the mechanical transmission assembly and the hydraulic transmission assembly are both connected to the output shaft. The mechanical transmission assembly includes a front planetary-gear-set assembly and a rear planetary-gear-set assembly. The front planetary-gear-set assembly and the rear planetary-gear-set assembly are connected in series. The control method includes three modes of transmission: pure hydraulic transmission, hydro-mechanical hybrid transmission, and pure mechanical transmission are implemented through combination and engagement/disengagement of gear-shift components.

A drive train includes a first gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear and planetary gears coupling the sun gear to the ring gear, a second gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear and planetary gears coupling the sun gear to the ring gear, a first motor/generator coupled to the first gear set, a second motor/generator coupled to the second gear set, a first clutch that selectively engages the second motor/generator with the first gear set, and a second clutch that selectively engages the ring gear of the second gear set with the planetary gear carrier of at least one of the first gear set and the second gear set. The planetary gears of both sets are rotatably supported by respective planetary gear carriers.

The present invention relates to a hybrid powertrain, comprising an internal combustion engine; a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft; a first planetary gear, connected to the input shaft; a second planetary gear, connected to the first planetary gear; a first electrical machine, connected to the first planetary gear; a second electrical machine, connected to the second planetary gear; at least one gear pair, connected with the first planetary gear and the output shaft; and at least one gear pair, connected with the second planetary gear and the output shaft, wherein the internal combustion engine is connected with the first planetary gear via the input shaft, wherein a countershaft is arranged between the respective first and second planetary gears and the output shaft; and the countershaft is connected with the output shaft via a range gearbox.

A drive train includes a first gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear and planetary gears coupling the sun gear to the ring gear, a second gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear and planetary gears coupling the sun gear to the ring gear, a first motor/generator coupled to the first gear set, a second motor/generator coupled to the second gear set, a first clutch that selectively engages the second motor/generator with the first gear set, and a second clutch that selectively engages the ring gear of the second gear set with the planetary gear carrier of at least one of the first gear set and the second gear set. The planetary gears of both sets are rotatably supported by respective planetary gear carriers.

The present invention relates to a hybrid powertrain and method of controlling same, the hybrid powertrain comprising an internal combustion engine; a gearbox with an input and an output shaft; a range gearbox connected to the output shaft; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear; a first electrical machine connected to the first planetary gear; a second electrical machine connected to the second planetary gear; one gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and the output shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second planetary gear and the output shaft, wherein the internal combustion engine is connected with the first planetary gear via the input shaft. The range gearbox comprises a third planetary gear with a third sun wheel and a third planetary wheel carrier and a fourth clutch device arranged to connect and disconnect the third sun wheel with/from the third planetary wheel carrier.

Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication means for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers. The plurality of game controllers are located in proximity to the large display screen such that it is visible to game players manipulating the game controllers while playing the multi-player game.