Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold.

Abstract: A sensor or a sensor array connected to an electrical measuring apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one sensor contains a layer of conductive modified particles which forms an electrical pathway or electrical circuit between two electrodes which are connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. In another embodiment, the first sensor contains at least one region of a nonconducting material and also a region that contains one or more modified particles. The modified particles are preferably conductive. An electrical path exists though the regions of the nonconducting material and the region containing the modified particles. The modified particles are conductive and more preferably are pigment particles such as modified carbon black, wherein the modified particles have attached at least one organic group.

Abstract: A self-checking analyzer system is provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The analyzer system includes a pipeline for receiving a multi-phase fluid flow and a first measuring device configured to provide a first frequency response corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system also includes a second measuring device differing in frequency response from the first measuring device and configured to provide a second frequency response corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system is configured to validate the first frequency response using the second frequency response.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes of reaction detector. The reaction detector is capable of measuring the small changes in pressure that occur due to osmotic pressure shifts during a catalytic or binding reaction at species concentrations down to approximately 10?7 M.

Abstract: A method for determining postural stability of a person can include acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor. The method can also include the step of identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states. The method can include the step of determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based on at least the plurality of postural states.

Abstract: A measuring head for a nano-indentation instrument capable of positioning a sample relatively to the measuring head, which includes a measuring axis, a reference axis and a component for detecting a depth of penetration of an indentor into the sample. The measuring and reference axes are attached to a frame for connection to the instrument. The measuring axis incorporates an actuator and includes the indentor, the reference axis incorporates an actuator and includes a reference tip, and the measuring and reference axes each have a component for detecting a force applied by its actuator. Penetration depth is detected by measuring a displacement of the indentor relatively to the reference tip.

Abstract: While there occurs a steady operation state where an engine operation state (such as intake air quantity) is maintained substantially constant, a high-response intake air quantity sensor (referred to as the sensor, hereafter) is temporarily powered off and is powered on again when a predetermined time elapses after the power-off. An output rising characteristic of the sensor at the time when the sensor is powered on again is sensed and abnormality diagnosis of the sensor is performed based on the sensing value of the output rising characteristic During a power-off period, the engine operation state is controlled using a sensing value (a stored value) of the sensor immediately preceding the power-off. When an abnormality of the sensor is detected, use of the sensor is prohibited and the intake air quantity is estimated based on intake pipe pressure and the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure and a device for diagnosing the dynamic of an exhaust gas sensor, which is arranged in an exhaust gas duct of a combustion engine and with which a parameter of the gas mixture that is supplied to the combustion engine is regulated by a control loop. It is thereby provided according to the invention that during a diagnosing period a temporal deflection of a regulation correcting variable for the parameter that is derived from an output signal of the exhaust gas sensor or a temporal course of the output signal of the exhaust gas sensor is used for the diagnosis and that the dynamic of the exhaust gas sensor is assumed in an evaluation algorithm. Thereby an improvement of the on-board diagnosis of the dynamic of the exhaust gas sensor can be achieved and in particular lambda probes, which provide a slowing down of their responding behavior, can be detected early on.

Abstract: A method for determining drilling fluid losses or gains by providing a drilling fluid, measuring a plurality of supply parameters of the drilling fluid, delivering the drilling fluid to a subsurface drilling operation, the subsurface drilling operation providing a returns drilling fluid, measuring a plurality of returns parameters of the returns drilling fluid, and determining change in composition, or loss of or gain of drilling fluid from a comparison between the supply parameters and the returns parameters.

Abstract: A thermal anemometer or mass flow meter typically having temperature and flow velocity sensor elements is provided in which a thin film temperature sensor is used in the heated sensor of the fluid velocity sensor element of the system. At least one thin-film RTD sensor is held within a spacer or interface member and the spacer, optionally, received within a housing. The thermal anemometer is preferably constructed to offer sufficient precision and accuracy in its design to be suitable for sensitive scientific and industrial applications. This goal is achieved while using cost effective parts by employing a construction approach in which the spacer and RTD sensor(s) is secured in place by solder, braze or another compound flowed into place while inserting the spacer and/or sensor(s).

Abstract: The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank.

Abstract: A gravity gradiometer is disclosed which has a sensor in the form of bars (41 and 42) which are supported on a mounting (5) which has a first mount section (10) and a second mount section (20). A first flexure web (33) pivotally couples the first and second mount sections about a first axis. The second mount has a first part (25), a second part (26) and a third part (27). The parts (25 and 26) are connected by a second flexure web (37) and the parts (26 and 27) are connected by a third flexure web (35). The bars (41 and 42) are located in housings (45 and 47) and form a monolithic structure with the housings (45 and 47) respectively. The housings (45 and 47) are connected to opposite sides of the second mount section 20. The bars (41 and 42) are connected to their respective housings by flexure webs (59). Transducers (71) are located in proximity to the bars for detecting movement of the bars to in turn enable the gravitational gradient tensor to be measured.

Abstract: The invention describes membrane protections for a sensor having a membrane, which membrane protection does not increase the external diameter of a sensor and can be easily removed from a hole in which the sensor is installed. The membrane protection can be fastened to an inner surface of a front region of a sensor using a clip system and thus forms a unit with the sensor. The membrane protection for a sensor which can be screwed into a hole of an installation part and is provided with a membrane in the front region. The membrane protection has a clip system in order to be internally fastened in the front region of such a sensor. The sensor has a membrane protection which is internally fitted to the front region of the sensor using a clip system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for monitoring a sensor arrangement comprising a vibrating gyroscope. Said vibrating gyroscope is used as a resonator and is part of at least one control circuit that excites the vibration gyroscope by feeding an excitation signal with its natural frequency. An output signal can be tapped from the vibrating gyroscope from which the excitation signal can be derived by filtering and amplification. The invention is characterized in that a first value of temperature change is calculated from the difference of the actual value of the natural frequency and a value of the natural frequency measured at a reference temperature during a comparison and stored in a memory, and the temperature coefficient of the natural frequency in relation to the measured temperature.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor element is provided which is capable of preventing even transmission of sudden externally-applied vibration to an element portion by absorbing the vibration. An angular velocity sensor element 2 according to the present embodiment has a fixing portion 21 in the form of a frame, an element portion 20 disposed in the frame of the fixing portion 21 and having vibrating arms 21 to 24 in a drive system and a detection system, and a connecting portion 25 formed as a fixed-fixed beam having its both ends connected to the fixing portion 21 and having its intermediate portion connected to the element portion 20.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring devices used in measuring angular velocity and, more precisely, to vibrating micro-mechanical sensors of angular velocity. The sensor of angular velocity according to the invention is adapted to measure angular velocity in relation to two or three axes, and at the least two seismic masses (34-36, 52-53, 71-75) of the sensor of angular velocity are adapted to be activated into primary motion vibration by means of a common mode. The structure of the sensor of angular velocity according to the invention enables reliable measuring with good performance, particularly in small size vibrating micro-mechanical sensors of angular velocity.

Abstract: A process device for coupling to an industrial process for use in monitoring or controlling the process includes a device housing configured to physically couple to the industrial process. A process variable sensor is configured to measure a process variable and measurement circuitry coupled to the process variable sensor provides an output related to the sensed process variable. A piezoelectric transducer provides an electrical output related to pressure pulsations in the industrial process. Electrical circuitry in the housing includes an input configured to receive the electrical output from the piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the ultrasound testing of hot rolling material during the rolling procedure in one of a plurality of rolling stands in a rolling train which are arranged one behind the other, comprising at least two rolls which leave a roll gap between them, there being associated with the rolls ultrasound testing heads which are arranged such that parts of the roll body itself serve as the path along which the ultrasound waves pass on their way to the rolling material to be tested in the roll gap, which is characterised in that the rolls provided with the ultrasound testing heads are adjustable, have a straight transverse profile and a diameter which is a multiple of the width of the roll gap, with the result that a large rolling angle (?) is provided, and these rolls are arranged in one of the first rolling stands of the rolling train.

Abstract: Document inspection system comprising a transport system for transporting documents along a transport path (12) through an inspection station. At least one ultrasonic inspection apparatus at the inspection station, the apparatus including ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers (42,44) arranged on opposite sides of the transport path, and a processing system for monitoring ultrasonic signals received by the receiving transducer. An ultrasonic absorbing material (300) is provided around the transducers and facing the transport path for absorbing Document guide apparatus (312,314), having a lower coefficient of friction than the absorbing material, extends partially over the absorbing material (300) so as to prevent documents contacting the absorbing material in use while leaving the absorbing material exposed to the transport path at least adjacent the transducers.

Abstract: An on-machine inspection method for detecting whether a shaft of a transmission system has failed uses a test probe from flaw detection apparatus to discover echo signals with known peaks corresponding to defined weakened portions in the shaft. The test probe is then moved to prescribed angular distances about an end face of the shaft to obtain the echo signals.

Abstract: Inspecting a loss in section such as corrosion, rust and abrasion due to physical factor generated in an inside face of a drum securely and rapidly with a simple structure and specifying a generation position thereof. A drum inspecting apparatus for inspecting a loss in section generated in an inside face of a drum 1 from an outer face side, comprising an inspection ultrasonic wave device for inspection by detecting a position having a reduced thickness generated in the inside face of the drum 1 and estimating a range thereof with lateral ultrasonic wave, wherein the inspection ultrasonic wave device has a plurality of ultrasonic probes 2a for generating ultrasonic wave for the inspection of a side plate of the drum 1, attached to a top plate circumferential outer edge portion 11a or a bottom plate circumferential outer edge portion 12a of the drum 1.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonograph and the like capable of easily specifying defective parts of an ultrasound probe and appropriately treating the defective parts.

Abstract: A method of operating a vibratory testing apparatus is disclosed including providing a table frame with at least one vibrator attached thereto and attaching the at least one vibrator to a solenoid valve, wherein an input of the solenoid valve is connected to a pneumatic air supply and an output of the valve is connected to the vibrator. The solenoid valve is connected to a controller and a first control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a first burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a first amplitude. Then a second control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a second burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a second amplitude.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective hood with a housing (1) for the protection of a measuring apparatus (2), which housing comprises a receiving space (17) for receiving a first measuring apparatus section (20) of such a measuring apparatus (2) and a through opening (12) for running a second measuring apparatus section (21) through it. The arrangement is advantageous in that at least one underlapping support element (18, 19) extends into the receiving space (17) for partially underlapping the first measuring apparatus section (20) in the direction of the through opening (12), and that the housing (1) is constructed from at least a first and a second housing section (1a, 1b) and at least one coupling element (13; 14, 15), and that the first measuring apparatus section (20) can be set between the housing sections (1a, 1b) and that the latter can be subsequently designed to be adjustable to one another for forming and closing the receiving space (17).

Abstract: There is disclosed a header for a differential pressure transducer. The header has a cylindrical sensor housing section which has a front and a back surface. The front surface has a sensor accommodating recess. There is a plurality of terminal pins extending from the front surface and directed through the housing to extend from said back surface. The pins are arranged in a semi-circular pattern, said sensor housing having a stem aperture and cylindrical wall. A stem housing is positioned in the stem aperture and is brazed thereto. The stem housing has a stem passageway directed through the housing which communicates with a passageway in the cylindrical sensor housing. The cylindrical sensor recess contains a sensing device which receives a first input pressure on one diaphragm surface of the sensing device and a second input pressure on a second surface of the diaphragm to produce a differential output pressure. The header, as indicated, is rugged and simple to use and produce.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diaphragm attaching structure of an electrostatic capacity type pressure gauge which can achieve an improvement of a measuring precision by inhibiting a poor weld and a heat strain from being generated while restricting an increase of a cost with an easy manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitance type pressure measurement apparatus by using a diaphragm, and more specifically to an apparatus for measuring pressure by using a diaphragm capable of measuring pressure of atmospheric pressure or less as well as pressure of atmospheric pressure or more without having a getter pump by fixedly mounting a pressure variable container on a sensor housing having a diaphragm mounted therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for test loading a fuselage barrel, in particular in the aviation and aerospace industry. The device comprises a first and a second pressure bulkhead for sealing the fuselage barrel at the end faces thereof in a pressure-tight manner. The device further comprises a support device which may be coupled to the first pressure bulkhead, on the one hand, and to the second pressure bulkhead, on the other hand, extending through the fuselage barrel. Moreover, the device comprises a loading device which may be coupled to the support device, on the one hand, and to a portion of the fuselage barrel, on the other hand, for introducing loads into the fuselage barrel.

Abstract: A film is inserted between two rigid substrates which form a sample. The sample is fixed at a first end in a device for measuring creep. The device comprises means for applying a predetermined force on a free end of the sample. The film being sheared, study of its creep can be performed.

Abstract: A fatigue test apparatus for thin workpiece includes a supporting module, a driving mechanism, a first connecting module, a second connecting module, a first holding post, a second holding post and a computer system. The first and second connecting modules are respectively fixed to two sides of the supporting module. Ends of the first holding post and the second holding post are fixed to the first and second connecting modules. The computer system electronically connects with and controls the driving mechanism. The first holding post and the second holding post are drive to rotate by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating an electromagnetic flowmeter and a flowmeter. A measuring tube provided with a coil arrangement for producing a magnetic field at right angles to the direction of flow. The direction of current flow in the coil arrangement is altered periodically, and the current is kept essentially constant in one period after a rise to a predetermined value. the voltage applied to the coil arrangement and/or its derivative is determined and compared with an associated reference value. If this voltage or derivative does not fall below the reference value in a desired minimum time within a measurement period, an error message can be emitted in order to indicate a fault. If the voltage or derivative falls below the reference value, it is ensured that the magnetic field is sufficiently stable and measured values for a voltage which can be tapped off at measurement electrodes.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter is equipped with a pipe unit including a pipe through which a fluid to be measured flows, a pair of electrodes adhered to the pipe, and substrate holders that retain substrates therein and which are disposed so as to cover the electrodes. In addition, the pipe unit is accommodated inside a body through a first opening, which opens on one side of the body. A solenoid unit including coils is installed on the pipe unit after being inserted into the interior of the body through first and second openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting in a non-aqueous, non-conductive liquid. The present method also relates to a corrosion inhibitor that can be employed in such a liquid. The method can include measuring or detecting the present corrosion inhibitor with a magnetic flow meter.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a separation force between a housing (92) and a subsidiary element (94) of a portable electronic device (100). The housing defines a plurality of through holes. The subsidiary element is attached to the housing, and covers the through holes. The test apparatus includes: a positioning apparatus (50), a push mechanism (60) and a test machine (70). The positioning apparatus positions the housing with the subsidiary element therein. The push mechanism includes a support board (62) and a plurality of rods (64). The rods are mounted in the support board. The rods pass through the through holes and resisting the subsidiary element. The test machine provides a driven force to press the support board to separate the subsidiary element from the housing.

Abstract: An automatic solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampling apparatus having a mobile sampler arm with a holder for a probe carrying a fiber 9 and an intermediate bracket for transferring the probe between a probe storage tray and the gas chromatograph injector. In the various probe handling stages, the probes are collected by a magnetic member attached to the end of the plunger in the holder, at the free end of the holder's body and at the lower end of the block for guiding the probe needle. The magnetic member interacts with a ferromagnetic connector attached to one end of the fiber and with a ferromagnetic flange attached to the end of the needle containing the fiber in order to place the probe on the transfer bracket or remove it therefrom. The apparatus can perform analyses on fibers that have already been exposed, extract analytes from samples, and subsequently transfer them for desorption in the gas chromatograph in a fully automatic way.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a sample conveyor apparatus for conveying a sample holder which permits a sample container to be held therein, the sample container permitting a sample to be received therein, includes, a belt base extending along a conveyance path, a conveyor belt stretched on the belt base and to be run to form the conveyance path, and a frame unit including a pair of guide rails which extend along the conveyance path to guide the sample holder along the conveyance path, the frame unit being detachable from the belt base, the conveyor belt being detachable from the belt base.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for transferring nano-quantities of fluid samples using a high throughput or ultra high throughput dispenser. Such samples may be transferred from a first location and reformatted for being transferred to a second location. The invention may transfer a predetermined volume of sample quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A probe card includes a printed circuit board; at least one probe substrate including a probe substrate body disposed on the printed circuit board and at least one probe through hole extending by passing through the probe substrate body; and at least one probe including a probe body supported by the probe substrate and a probe lead part extending from the probe body to an inside of the probe through hole in the printed circuit board, wherein the probe substrate body includes at least one fixing slit which extends in an X axis direction at one side surface of the probe substrate body where the probe body is exposed, and has a width substantially equal to a thickness of the probe; and at least some of the probe bodies are received in the fixing slit so that the probes are arranged in the a Y axis direction.

Abstract: A drive system of a forming press for driving the plunger with a crank mechanism controllable by a servomotor is refined in such a way that on the one hand a high pressure force is achievable with the available torques of servomotors and that on the other hand the technical complexity of the drive is reduced during the design of the drive with multiple mechanically synchronized pressure points and also with pressure points that can each be controlled independently of one another.

Abstract: The actuator has a shaft having a starting point resistance feature, and a low resistance portion. The actuator has a motor configured to rotate the shaft, the motor outputting a current feedback signal to indicate current exiting the motor. The actuator has a interference portion in proximity to the shaft, the interference portion configured to facilitate a resistance to shaft rotation when the shaft rotates, the resistance to shaft rotation causing a magnitude of the current signal to be greater when the starting point resistance feature passes in front of the interference portion than when the low resistance portion passes in front of the interference portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic actuator comprising a cylinder (1) in which a main rod (2) is mounted to slide telescopically along a sliding axis (X) between a retracted position and an extended position, the telescopic actuator including an auxiliary rod mounted to slide telescopically in the main rod along said sliding axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuator including controlled retaining means (30, 31, 32, 33) for retaining the auxiliary rod in the retracted position inside the main rod, the actuator further including brake means for braking sliding of the auxiliary rod in the main rod in the extension direction.

Abstract: In an electric actuator, a connector is coupled to one end of a screw shaft that makes up a displacement mechanism, the screw shaft being rotatably supported by first and second bearings. Further, on the other end of the screw shaft, a support ring is disposed through a holder, wherein the support ring is slidable along an inner circumferential surface of a piston rod. On the outer circumferential surface of a piston, a rotation-stopping member is provided, which includes projections thereon that project in a radial direction from the outer circumferential surface, the projections being inserted into grooves of said body.

Abstract: An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a hollow rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly, and a lubricant passage for replenishing lubricant to the force transmitting components of the actuator.

Abstract: A portable terminal generally includes a first or main body and a second or sub-body. The sub-body is slidable relative to the main body between a closed position and an opened position. The sub-body is configured to drop downwardly into a stepped-down portion of the main body when the sub-body is in the opened position. At least one biasing device or elastic means may be provided for applying a force for biasing the sub-body to drop downwardly towards the stepped-down portion.

Abstract: A rotation output device including a lock mechanism for automatically locking an output shaft without inertia or a need to pivot the output shaft by the operator after the input shaft stops rotating. The rotation output device includes an output gear for inputting a rotation driving force; a lock ring restricted from rotating; output rings for rotating integrally with the spindle; a click spring for rotating the output rings with respect to the output gear; float gears which are held by the output ring to be urged radially outward and are fixedly engageable with the lock ring; and central pin insertion through-holes and side pin insertion through-holes provided in the output rings for releasing the float gears radially outward and fixedly engaging the float gears with the lock ring. The click spring relatively rotates the output rings by the stoppage of the rotation driving of the output gear.

Abstract: When a punch is downwardly pressed, an inner circumferential surface of a first rack blank bites into a top surface of a second rack blank. A blank material upwardly flows due to a reaction force and is used to form rack teeth. Thus, a filling degree of the teeth with the material is enhanced. At the time when the forming of the rack teeth is finished, a gap is left between the inner circumferential surface of the first rack blank and the outer circumferential surface of the second rack blank. Thus, a die is not put into a sealed condition. Consequently, a forming load is small so that the lifetime of the die is lengthened. Also, the top surface of the second rack blank bites into a bore hole portion of the first rack blank so that the first rack blank and the second rack blank are joined together. Accordingly, the rigidity of the entire rack teeth is increased.

Abstract: Provided is a novel steering device which can be formed to be compact, which is easily applicable to a vehicle with a small engine room such as a front-engine/front-drive car, and which is of neither the ball nut type nor the rack and pinion type. The steering device operates steerable wheels by converting rotation of a steering shaft to axial movement of a relay rod, the steering device including: a gear casing through which the relay rod is passed; a spiral ball rolling groove provided in the relay rod within the gear casing so as to exhibit a lead of a magnitude of 1 or more; a nut member threadedly engaged with the ball rolling groove of the relay rod through an intermediation of a large number of balls and supported rotatably with respect to the gear casing; an input shaft to which rotation of the steering shaft is transmitted and which is in an intersecting or offset relationship with the relay rod; and a first transmission gear for transmitting rotation of the input shaft to the nut member.

Abstract: In a flexspline of a wave gear device, an annular flange thereof is constructed from a first annular part bent at a right angle from an outer peripheral edge of a diaphragm, and a second annular part caused to inwardly protrude at a uniform width from a leading end of the first annular part. It is possible for the annular flange to be disposed within the region where the diaphragm is formed, as viewed in the direction of an axis of the device. An outer diameter can be reduced to a greater extent than with a “silk hat”-shaped flexspline; and when a hollow wave gear device is manufactured, a hollow diameter can be more readily increased than in a case where a cup-shaped flexspline is used.

Abstract: At least some of the uniformly distributed teeth of one of the antibacklash partner toothed wheel units, of this backlash-compensating gear train for a horological mechanism, have elastic parts (DR) that are flexible in the direction of the respective thicknesses of the teeth. Some of the teeth are capable of temporarily transmitting a torque considerably greater than the normal drive torque. Two adjacent teeth (D1, D2) capable of temporarily transmitting a torque considerably greater than the normal drive torque each comprise one flank (D1a, D2a) integral with a more rigid part (D12), and one flank (D1b, D2b) integral with a more flexible part (D1R, D2R), the two more rigid parts (D12) of the two teeth (D1, D2) being adjacent.

Abstract: A transmission unit for a motor vehicle is provided with a fixed supporting structure, a driving transmission shaft and at least one driven transmission shaft that are parallel to one another, and a control device, which has a control member that is movable with respect to the supporting structure; the control member is able to translate along a control axis between a plurality of operating positions, each associated to a corresponding range of gears, and to turn, in each operating position, about the control axis between an idle angular position and at least one engagement angular position, in which it controls engagement of a gear forming part of the range selected; the control member is set at least in part in front of an axial end of the transmission shafts.