Abstract: A core destroying machine utilizes a single processing rotor cooperable with an arcuate screen member to disintegrate aeration cores therebetween. The arcuate screen member is configured to discharge thatch from the single processing rotor in a generally vertical direction into engagement with a rotating fluff roll. The fluff roll is configured with a pair of opposing rigid bats affixed to a central shaft for rotation around an axis of rotation. A plurality of extruded flexible plastic cords extend from the rigid bats into the direction of rotation of the fluff roll to engage the thatch portions discharged from the processing rotor and urge the thatch portions rearwardly into a collection hopper. The flexible plastic cords yield to any earthen pieces of aeration cores that might be discharged from the processing rotor to permit the discharged earthen pieces to be recycled back toward the processing rotor.

Abstract: A towed, agricultural implement includes an undercarriage supported on ground wheels that are attached to the undercarriage by trailing support arms. An adjusting motor is coupled between the undercarriage and a transverse torsion rod having its opposite ends coupled to the wheel support arms by braces. The adjusting motor is selectively operable for raising and lowering the ground wheels relative to the undercarriage, with the torsion rod acting to absorb shocks between the undercarriage and the wheel support arms.

Abstract: The present application relates to a pneumatic tool for applying torque to fasteners and a system incorporating such a tool.

Abstract: A percussion electrical hand-held tool including a housing (10), a percussion element (2) located in the housing, and a planetary gear unit (5) located in the housing (10) for converting a rotational movement (&ohgr;) of the drive shaft (1) of the hand-held tool (8) into a reciprocating movement (&ugr;) of the percussion element (2), with the planetary gear unit (5) including a sun gear (6) changing of a setting (&agr;) of which provides for adjusting of an impact amplitude of the reciprocating movement (&agr;) of the percussion element (2), and control unit located in the housing (10) for adjusting the impact amplitude in accordance with a manual axial force applied to the handle of the hand-held tool (8).

Abstract: A plurality of H-shaped notches are formed on an end of a first shielding plate. Each notch has a pair of protrusions. Each protrusion has hooks on both sides. When a coil spring is fitted into each notch, the coil spring is first compressed so that a pitch thereof becomes narrower. Subsequently, the coil spring is fitted into the notch so that the coil spring encompasses the pair of protrusions. Each hook engages with the coil spring received in the notch, thereby preventing the coil spring from dropping out of the notch.

Abstract: A low-cost, high-performance, reliable micromirror package (300) that replaces the ceramic substrate in conventional packages with a printed circuit board substrate (30) and a molded plastic case (33), and the cover glass with a window (36), preferably an optically clear plastic window. The printed circuit board substrate (30) allows for either external bond pads or flex cable connection of the micromirror package to the projector's motherboard. These packages support flexible snap-in, screw-in, ultrasonic plastic welding, or adhesive welding processes to overcome the high cost seam welding process of many conventional packages.

Abstract: In a ball grid array type semiconductor device mounted on a printed wiring board, the external terminals can be prevented from being broken down even when the ambient temperature on the device is repeatedly changed. A flexible adhesive member for gluing the semiconductor chip to an insulating tape is provided to cover up to a region including the lands to which the external terminals are bonded and which are provided on the insulating tape surface. The flexible adhesive member for covering the lands may be replaced by a flexible low-elasticity member.

Abstract: An encapsulated device and method for making such encapsulated device containing a bladder disposed between a wall of the case and the encapsulant. The bladder defines a space devoid of encapsulant and contains a collapsible insert such as an open cell foam material, thereby allowing the unimpeded thermal expansion of the encapsulant. By reducing thermal expansion stresses on the encapsulated devices, the reliability of the encapsulated device is improved.

Abstract: A grommet includes a larger-diameter tubular portion for being fixed to a through hole, a smaller-diameter tubular portion for passing a wire therethrough, a shield wall of a conical wall-shape interconnecting the larger-diameter tubular portion and the smaller-diameter tubular portion, and a noise-insulating wall joined to an outer peripheral surface of the smaller-diameter tubular portion and flaring into a conical wall-shape. When the smaller-diameter tubular portion is displaced in a direction toward the distal end thereof, an outer peripheral edge of the noise-insulating wall contacts with an inner peripheral surface of the larger-diameter tubular portion, and when this displacement is canceled, the outer peripheral edge is engaged with an engagement portion on the larger-diameter tubular portion, so that the noise-insulating wall is reversed to be formed into a conical wall-shape in reverse to the initial shape, thereby forming a closed space between the noise-insulating wall and the shield wall.

Abstract: A termination for an electric cable includes a conductive element, a conductive shank, an insulating body, a casing of insulating material, and electric field control means. The conductive shank connects to an upper extremity of the conductive element and is adapted for connection of the termination to an electric installation. The insulating body includes a cylindrical portion surrounding a lower extremity of the conductive element, the cylindrical portion being adapted for connection of the termination to the electric cable, the conductive element and the insulating body constituting a rigid assembly adapted to resist a predetermined transverse stress. The termination also includes a joining assembly having an electric connection element connecting a conductor of the electric cable and the conductive element of the termination, and a flexible joint covering the electric connection element and a length of the cylindrical portion of the insulating body.

Abstract: An EMI-tight strain relief for a cable having a tubular crimp sleeve which is crimped onto the end of the cable and which includes structure for securing the strain relief in an opening in the wall of an apparatus housing. The sleeve has a crimpable portion including a circumferential groove for equalizing the necessary crimping force.

Abstract: Cable splices and methods for splicing cables wherein two segments of cable, each of which includes a central conduit, a plurality of electrical wires and a plurality of supporting wires are joined together. In one embodiment, the cable segments are coupled by cleanly cutting the ends of the two cable segments to prepare them to be spliced, folding back the wires and joining the conduits of the two cables, then connecting each of the electrical wires of one segment to a corresponding wire of the other segment, then connecting each of the support wires of the two cable segments to a support structure which surrounds the conduit and electrical wires, and finally placing a mold over the spliced area and filling the mold with a protective material which will harden and thereby strengthen the splice and protect the embedded conduit and wires.

Abstract: A semi-conductive tubular assembly (30) or molded rubber cap is used in a cable joint for medium voltage electric power cables (10, 20). The conductors (13, 23) of the cables are connected together by means of a connector (40) constituted by a bolted contact assembly having a tubular shape and wherein the conductor ends are maintained by means of bolts. Two rubber caps (30a, 30b) preferably overlap each other in the middle of the connector. Each cap has an internal shape adapted to compensate for the gap resulting from the difference in diameter between the conductor insulation and the connector, as well as for the eccentric position of the latter with respect to the conductors. By mating the change of shape (31a, 31b) between the underlying connector (40) and the conductor insulation (12, 22), the caps provide a relatively cheap and efficient solution for an electrically reliable product, e.g. by reducing local electric stresses.

Abstract: A cabling media which is suitable for high performance data transmission includes a plurality of metallic conductors-pairs, each pair including two plastic insulated metallic conductors which are twisted together. The present invention describes how the selection and incorporation of metallic conductors having different diameters within a single communication cable can significantly enhance the operational performance of the cable. More specifically, given a first conductor-pair having a certain conductor diameter and twist length, and at least one other conductor-pair with a different twist length, the present invention purposely selects metallic conductors for this other conductor-pair with a different diameter than that of the first conductor-pair so as to ensure that the insertion loss exhibited by the additional conductor-pair is essentially equal to the insertion loss exhibited by the first conductor-pair.

Abstract: In order to provide windings for electrical rotating machines having an insulating film superior in electrical characteristics, a high heat conductive insulating film 11 is formed at outer periphery of wound conductor 10 using a high heat conductive insulating tape, which comprises a mica layer 3, a reinforcement layer 5, and a high heat conductive filler layer 7, wherein the resin content in each layer of the mica layer 3 and the high heat conductive filler layer 7 is specified in the range of 10-25% by weight based on the whole weight of the material. 1-80% by weight of said filler is spherical.

Abstract: A molded flexible circuit assembly and method of forming a molded flexible circuit assembly which use a molded stiffener, and do not require any additional type of stiffener, are described. A molded stiffener is formed on a flexible tape at the same time molded encapsulation units are formed to encapsulate circuit die which are attached to the flexible tape. The molded stiffeners provide adequate rigidity for processing of the molded flexible circuit assembly. When the stiffeners are no longer needed they are removed at the same time the mold runners are removed. No additional processing steps are required for either the formation or removal of the molded stiffeners.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing printed circuits comprising a laminar support, an electrically conductive track on the laminar support, and an auxiliary conductive element soldered to the conductive track. There is a provision to apply the auxiliary conductive element by means of an apparatus for applying SMD components.

Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus for interconnection in a casing or liner string having a drill bit disposed thereon for enabling the drilling of intersecting wellbores without removal of the drill bit is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the apparatus comprises a housing having a window. A whipstock is disposed within the housing. Between the window and the whipstock is a filler. The whipstock and the filler define a central bore providing a fluid path through the apparatus. A back pressure valve may be disposed within the central bore to prevent back flow of fluids through the apparatus. Once the total depth of an initial wellbore is reached, the casing or liner string, including the apparatus, may be cemented in place. Thereafter, an intersecting wellbore may be drilled by laterally deflecting a second drill bit with the whipstock through the window of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a tong comprises a piston and cylinder assembly and a mounting assembly therefor. The mounting assembly is mounted on a support beam in the drilling derrick and the piston and cylinder assembly is pivotally mounted on the mounting assembly. The piston and cylinder assembly can be pivoted between an operative position in which it can be extended and retracted to move a tong towards and away from a string of tubulars, and an inoperative position in which the piston and cylinder assembly extends along an upwardly extending axis with part of the piston and cylinder assembly disposed to either side of the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A stabilizer especially adapted for use with an drill string having an eccentric drilling element, such as a bi-center bit. The stabilizer has a pair of circumferentially displaced blades that lie in a common circumferential plane and extend from a rotatable sleeve supported on the stabilizer body, as well as a stationary blade. The rotating blades are aligned with the stationary blade when in a first circumferential orientation and are disposed so that the mid-point between the rotating blades is located opposite the stationary blade, thereby providing full-gauge stabilization, when the rotating blades are in a second circumferential orientation. A magnetic systems senses the circumferential orientation of the rotating blades and transmits the information to the surface via mud pulse telemetry. A piston actuated by the drilling mud locks the rotating blades into the active and inactive positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and medium for receiving and acting upon user input. In one embodiment, the user may only have access to a limited input device, like a stylus. Using the present invention, a user is provided with intuitive responses from the system based on inputs from the limited input device.

Abstract: A method, a system and a product for managing information uses of an absolute position-coding pattern formed of marks positioned on one or more products. The coordinates of the marks define an imaginary surface, which includes all marks which the absolute position-coding pattern has the capacity to code. The imaginary surface is divided into at least two regions, the coordinates of which can be separated from each other. The information is generated by passing a sensor device over the marks on the product and reading the absolute coordinates of the position of the sensor device. Reading of coordinates from the first region results in a information management function of the sensor device, such as a send function, and reading of coordinates from the second region forms message information.

Abstract: A collaborative input system 10 includes a host computer 12. A display 14 is associated with the host computer. The host computer includes a processor 15 configured for executing an application to provide an image 17 on the display 14. At least one electromagnetic digitizer 18 is provided separate from the host computer. The digitizer 18 has an input surface 22 defining a display space that is mapped to coincide with the display 14, and a pen structure 24 operatively associated with the input surface such that proximity of the pen structure with respect to the input surface, as a result of a user's input, is detected by the digitizer.

Abstract: A graphic data-acquisition system which employs an active tracking system provides a retrofittable apparatus for converting a substantially planar surface into an electronic data capture device, in which the components of the system are readily retrofittable, at relatively low cost, to a wide variety of otherwise conventional writing-surface structures, such as so-called dry-erase whiteboards. Conventional triangulation techniques are used to track the position and motion of a writer or eraser. An encoding facility associated with the writing implement provides the ability to distinguish whether the writing implement is used for marking or an as erasing implement, as well as determining the nature or character of written line width or eraser swath. A data stream thus generated can be used in a variety of ways, such as for example, to feed information into the memory of a digital computer, and/or to feed information for transmission to remote stations.

Abstract: The present invention is for a multi-combination vehicle or road-train consisting of a powered prime mover, at least one powered trailer and which may include a number of non-powered trailers. The power trailer includes a cooling means separated from the engine to provide improved cooling and enabling the road-train to be used in confined areas such as in underground mines. Typically the cooling means is located at the front or rear of the power trailer and is located. The engines of the prime mover and power trailer(s) are controlled either by a synchronization system and a dual-pot accelerator pedal by controlling their relative torques or by manual controls in the truck cab.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a drive combustion engine and a power supply system for supplying electric consuming devices on-board the motor vehicle. The power supply system includes a fuel cell system and a battery coupled to the fuel cell system. The energy and/or material currents of the drive combustion engine and the fuel cell system are coupled together.

Abstract: An engine output control method for a vehicle having a throttleless internal combustion engine system responsive to a desired engine speed signal. The method includes generating a driver demanded engine speed value corresponding to an operator input and generating a speed control system engine speed value corresponding to a predetermined speed value to permit vehicle operation at a constant speed by a speed control system. The method arbitrates between the driver demanded engine speed value and the speed control system engine speed value to derive a first desired engine speed value. This value is limited by a vehicle speed limit value, engine speed limit value, and transmission speed limit value to generate a second desired engine speed value. The engine is then controlled as a function of the second desired engine speed value and an actual engine speed value. Engine control is accomplished by way of variable valve timing, fueling rate and/or fuel flow, and spark advance.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle includes a yaw rate sensor (28) that generates a yaw rate signal, a lateral acceleration sensor (32) that generates a lateral acceleration signal, a roll rate sensor (34) generating a roll rate signal, and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) for generating a longitudinal acceleration signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the yaw rate sensor (28), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the roll rate sensor (34), and the longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller determines a dynamic load transfer acting on the plurality of wheels as a function of yaw rate, lateral acceleration roll rate, and longitudinal acceleration. Normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is determined as a function of the dynamic load transfer. Wheel lift is indicated when at least one of the normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is less than a normal force threshold.

Abstract: The apparatus for controlling vehicle driving force is provided with a target driving force deciding part for deciding a target driving force by using an accelerator opening and vehicle speed, and driving force distribution control part for distributing the target driving force to an engine torque control part and a drive system control part. Further, this apparatus has a vehicle running state determining part for detecting the running state of the vehicle. Furthermore, the final target driving force is increased or decreased to correct based on the result of the vehicle running state determining part in the target driving force deciding part or the driving force distribution control part.

Abstract: A front and rear wheel drive vehicle 1 having a front wheel pair 7, 7 and a rear wheel pair 11, 11, one of which is driven with an engine 2 and the other one of which is driven with an motor 3, comprising: a target engine driving force setting means (an engine driving force setting section 12c) for obtaining a target driving force of the engine based on driving conditions of the vehicle; a target motor driving force setting means (a motor driving force setting section 12d) for obtaining a target driving force of the motor based on driving conditions of the vehicle; and a control means (a control section 12a) for controlling the driving force of the motor by way of modifying a change amount of a motor driving force command value associated with a change amount of the target motor driving force obtained by said target motor driving force setting means in accordance with an instance where the target driving force of the engine and the target driving force of the motor are both increasing or decreasing to thereby

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission system blocks the disengagement of the clutch (14) and the shifting of the transmission (12) into neutral for starting the engine (10), if the transmission is already in gear at the time the system is switched on. The blocking is canceled if the main brake (58) is applied and the application of the brake (58) is confirmed by a brake sensor (56), or if the driver moves a shifter element (24) from a non-neutral shift-gate position to the neutral shift-gate position after the system has been turned on.

Abstract: A transmission for an all-terrain vehicle includes: a variable-speed drive operatively connected to an engine, and a gear transmission mechanism operatively connected to the drive. The mechanism includes: a single shifting fork for selecting at least a forward high-speed ratio, a forward low-speed ratio, neutral or reverse, a shifting lever disposed at a position below a right end part or a left end part of a handlebar at a level above the engine, the shifting lever extending substantially upward, a single change lever shaft connected with the shifting fork, the change lever being disposed on the same side as the side on which the shifting lever is disposed with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the all-terrain vehicle, and the change lever shaft extending substantially upward at a rear end part of the engine, and a single connecting member connecting the change lever shaft and the shifting lever. The connecting member is extending at a side of the engine.

Abstract: A control device for an electric power steering apparatus, which controls a motor based upon a steering assist instruction value calculated in a steering assist instruction calculating section based upon a steering torque generated in a steering shaft and a current control value calculated from a current value of the motor for applying a steering assist force to a steering mechanism, and has a gain curve of characteristics of the entire control system having the steering assist instruction value as its input, which at least partially possesses a gradient exceeding a predetermined value, and in this arrangement, the steering assist instruction value calculating unit is composed of an approximation functional expression in which at least one-step derived functions are continuous, and the steering assist instruction value is found through calculations based upon the approximation functional expression.

Abstract: The support body engaged with the interior side of the tooth body provided at the worm wheel of the electric power steering apparatus comprises: a corrugated cylinder part press-formed to have a plurality of concavities on the exterior side thereof and convexities to the interior formed by said concavities which are arranged in a peripheral direction; and a plate part an exterior edge of which is united with an end of said corrugated cylinder part, wherein the tooth body is engaged with the exterior side of the corrugated cylinder part. With the method of manufacturing the gear, synthetic resin of the tooth body can be deposited uniformly on the support body made of metal engaged with the interior of the tooth body, costs can be reduced, and the support body can be engaged with the tooth body without generating voids and weld marks.

Abstract: A tubular resonant mechanical horn having a contoured inner surface such that, under vibration, an output radial displacement is obtained on the outer surface of horn that is substantially uniform over its entire surface, for producing effects useful in continuous processes. The horn does not contain a node of motional displacement.

Abstract: The present application relates to a safety apparatus which is intended to aid the balance of an individual working on an elevated surface such as a horizontal mast 1. The apparatus, which consists of a support member 5 that projects up from the elevated surface, may also arrest the fall of an individual from an elevated surface by defining a support barrier in front or behind or either side of the individual. The support member may be adapted to be mounted within tool tracks already provided on a mast, and is designed to move along the tracks so as to balance the individual as he moves along the elevated surface. Alternatively, the elevated surface is provided with additional purpose-built guides or tracks designed to cooperate with the support member.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizer includes a substantially planar rigid frame having two legs depending in spaced apart relation with a fixed angular relationship to the frame. The frame has a first end and a second end, with remote ends of the two legs defining the second end. A pivot bar is provided which is secured to a selected rung of a ladder. Pivot bar retention brackets are secured to the frame in spaced relation adjacent to the first end. The ladder stabilizer described can be attached to a ladder without drilling bolt apertures.

Abstract: Wayside lubrication apparatus for railroad track wherein metered charges of lubricant are delivered to points spaced at intervals along the gage sides of the heads of the rails, and systems for and methods of monitoring the apparatus at a location remote from the site thereof.

Abstract: A traction elevator system includes a machine having a rotor including permanent magnets and a flat rope engaged with the machine. The flat rope includes one or more load-carrying members retained within a common sheath from a non-metallic material.

Abstract: An elevator car door opening and closing apparatus is taught having a clutch assembly carried by each car door for coupling with a landing door locking and unlocking assembly whereby the car and landing doors open and close simultaneously. The clutch assembly includes a mechanical expanding and collapsing parallelogram mechanism which engages, unlocks, and opens the landing door. Mechanical means is also disclosed whereby the elevator car doors may only be forced opened a limited amount if the car is stalled between landing sites.

Abstract: A scooter has a braking structure comprising a support frame, an application portion, and two brake shoes. The support frame has two support arms which are located at two sides of the rear wheel of the scooter. The brake shoes are fastened with the support arms. As the application portion is exerted on by an external force, the support frame is forced to move downward, thereby causing the brake shoes to come in contact with the rear wheel.

Abstract: The present automatic clearance adjuster mechanism maintains a predetermined maximum brake clearance regardless of the wear condition of the brake. The brake includes a longitudinally extending rod mounted to the brake housing external to the piston element. The present automatic clearance adjuster mechanism includes a sleeve element disposed about the rod, and a biasing element disposed for releasably holding the sleeve element against the rod for preventing movement thereof along the rod to limit the retraction of the piston element to a predetermined distance relative to the sleeve element.

Abstract: An assembled vehicle brake disk has a basically rotationally symmetrical friction ring which is fastened by way of several linking points in a rigid or floating manner to a basically rotationally symmetrical hub part. At least two distances between respectively adjacent linking points, which distances follow one another in the circumferential direction, differ from one another, in which case, viewed in their entirety, the linking points are arranged in a non-uniformly distributed manner along the circumference. Preferably, an uneven number of linking points are provided which may be arranged to be very asymmetrically distributed along the circumference. The number of linking points may be in the order of between 5 and 15, a smaller number being provided per circumferential segment with respect to lower-frequency noise radiations, and a higher number being provided with respect to higher-frequency noise radiations.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a wire-winding box capable of detecting the line, which box comprises a wire-winding box and a detection circuit unit. The wire-winding box comprises a housing, a winding disk, a communication wire, and a scroll spring. The winding disk is installed in the housing and can rotate. The communication wire is wound around the winding disk. The scroll spring is placed between the housing and the winding disk. The detection circuit unit is installed in the housing, and properly joins the communication wire. Thereby, the present invention can be used for pulling and winding a communication wire, and can also be used to detect and judge whether the communication line is open-circuited or misplaced, or has a too-large current. Therefore, the problems can be troubleshot betimes, and destruction of the communication equipment due to wrong plugging can be prevented.

Abstract: A torque converter of a power transmitting apparatus includes a pump impeller connected to a crank shaft of an engine via a front cover, a turbine runner opposing thereto and an input clutch switching a relationship between the turbine runner and an input shaft to an engaged or disengaged state of an automatic transmission. A lockup clutch switched to an engaged or disengaged state with respect to the front cover includes a torsion damper provided between an upstream side plate fixed to the lockup clutch and a downstream side plate, in which a clutch drum is provided with an inertial mass at a downstream side of the torsion damper. Thereby, low-frequency sounds or vibrations in the power transmitting apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: In a torque converter provided with a lockup device, performance of a torsion spring is improved, preferably by increasing its size, while suppressing an increase of an axial dimension of the torque converter. The torque converter includes a toric fluid actuating portion having an impeller, a turbine, and a stator. A ratio (D2/D1) of an inside diameter D2 to an outside diameter D1 of the fluid actuating portion is equal to or greater than 0.61.

Abstract: A vehicle driving system having a clutch actuator and gear shifting device that use motors is provided. A clutch is disengaged and engaged and gear shifting is conducted at high speeds. The clutch actuator drives the clutch and includes a motion converting mechanism and two motors. The motion converting mechanism is a mechanism for converting rotary motion to linear motion and for applying an operating force to the clutch. The two motors are for applying a rotating force to the motion converting mechanism. The gear shifting automatically shifts gears by driving a transmission rack of a transmission and includes a ball screw mechanism and two motors. The ball screw mechanism is a mechanism for converting rotary motion to linear motion and for applying an operating force to the transmission. The two motors are for applying a rotating force to the ball screw mechanism.

Abstract: Freewheel with reduced wear and noisiness, in which sprags are housed oscillating in respective containment slots obtained in the hub. Said containment slots have at their end a concave wall against which the sprag is to thrust and bear, at the other end a concave wall for holding the sprag and, between one and the other ends, a convex wall having a throat in which is housed a spring. The sprags are able to engage with stepped notches formed circumferentially in the shaft, having, mutually orthogonal, a thrust wall and a bearing surface.

Abstract: A thrust plate assembly for a friction clutch, including a housing having an axis of rotation and a pressure plate arrangement which is held so as to be movable axially with respect to the housing by means of at least one leaf spring arrangement. The leaf spring arrangement has a first coupling area secured to a first mounting area of the pressure plate, a first longitudinal area adjoining the first coupling area, and a second longitudinal area adjoining the second coupling area. A leaf spring arrangement support is arranged in such a way that when the first coupling area and the second coupling area approach one another in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis of rotation, at least one of the first longitudinal area and second longitudinal area contacts the leaf spring arrangement support.

Abstract: A transmission includes a first shaft, a first rotational member coaxial with the first shaft for unitarily rotating with the first shaft, a first gear positioned to rotate relative to the first shaft, a first clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging the first rotational member and the first gear, a second rotational member coaxially positioned with respect to the first shaft for unitarily rotating with the second rotational member, a second gear coaxially positioned with respect to the first shaft for rotating relative to the first shaft, a second clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging the second rotational member and the second gear, and a gear member engaged with the first gear and the second gear. The first gear is positioned between the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The transmission is constructed so that the axial length of the gear member is shortened.