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.

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.

A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain comprising an internal combustion engine; a gearbox with input and output shafts; 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; 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. The method comprises the steps: a) engaging a gear by way of connecting two rotatable components in the first planetary gear; b) connecting the at least one gear pair, connected with the second planetary gear and the output shaft; c) connecting a sixth gear pair, arranged between a countershaft and the range gearbox with the countershaft, so that the countershaft is connected with the output shaft via the range gearbox; d) controlling the range gearbox from a low range position to a neutral state, in which no torque transmission occurs through the range gearbox; e) controlling two rotatable components in the range gearbox towards achieving a synchronized rotational speed with the assistance of the first electrical machine; f) connecting the rotatable components with the use of a shiftable third clutch device; and g) engaging a gear by way of connecting two rotatable components in the second planetary gear.

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 method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain comprising an internal combustion engine; a gearbox with input and output shafts; 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; first and second electrical machines, respectivley connected to the first and second planetary gears; a gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and the output shaft; and a gear pair, connected with the second planetary gear and the output shaft, wherein the internal combustion engine is connected to the input shaft. The method comprises: a) engaging a gear by connecting two rotatable components in the first planetary gear; b) connecting the second or the fourth gear pair; c) connecting a sixth gear pair, arranged between a countershaft and the range gearbox to the countershaft, so that the countershaft is connected with the output shaft via the range gearbox; d) synchronising the rotational speed between two rotatable components in the range gearbox; e) connecting the rotatable components with a shiftable third clutch device; and f) engaging a gear by way of connecting two rotatable components in the second planetary gear.

The variable-speed accelerator includes an electric device, a transmission device, and a power supply portion that supplies electric power of a constant rated frequency supplied from a power supply to the electric device when the electric device is started. The electric device includes a constant-speed electric motor that rotates a constant-speed input shaft of the transmission device, and a variable-speed electric motor that functions as a generator in a generator mode and also functions as an electric motor in an electric motor mode. When starting the electric device, the power supply portion supplies the electric power generated by the variable-speed electric motor in the generator mode to the constant-speed electric motor after supplying starting power to the constant-speed electric motor and the variable-speed electric motor.

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 method is provided for moving off of a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain, comprising a combustion engine; a gearbox with input and output shafts; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines respectively connected to the first and second planetary gears and capable of operating each other; one gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and output shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second planetary gear and output shaft. The method comprising, while the combustion engine is in operation: a) ensuring that the rotatable components of the first and second planetary gears are respectively disconnected from each other, b) ensuring that at least one gear is engaged, corresponding to the one gear pair connected with the first planetary gear, and/or the one gear pair connected with the second planetary gear, and c) activating the first and second electrical machines, where total power output from the electrical machines is zero, and so that a torque is generated in the output shaft.

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 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, and at least one of (a) a first clutch that selectively engages the second motor/generator with the first gear set and (b) 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.