Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting the positioning of a remote measuring module (2) placed on a fluid meter (1), a wall (2A) associated with said module being disposed close to a wall (1A) associated with the meter. According to the invention, it comprises at least a first electrically conductive element (10) fixed to said wall (1A) of the meter (1) and at least two second electrically conductive elements (20A, 20B) fixed to said wall (2A) of the module (2), and placed facing the first element (10) when the module is correctly positioned on the meter, the second elements are connected electrically to an electronics card (21), one of the second elements (20A) being a voltage-emitter electrode and the other of the second elements (20B) being a voltage-receiver electrode.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator, suitable for determining the level of a volatile liquid within a container, includes temperature sensors spaced vertically apart from each other. A processor processes the outputs of the temperature sensors and produces an indication, such as an audible indication by an audible alert device, when liquid level is detected. The determination of liquid level can be by one or more of various temperature processing techniques, including difference in temperature between temperature sensors, and/or difference in temperature over time at one or more of the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A field effect sensor is adapted for use in sensing level of fluids and powders. The sensor uses elongated, parallel electrodes disposed on or within the side wall of a tank. The longitudinal axes of the electrodes are parallel to the surface of fluid or powder contained in the tank.

Abstract: A humidity sensor element, a humidity sensor device and a method for manufacturing thereof are provided. The humidity sensor element includes a substrate having a nanocomposite film as sensing material, wherein said nanocomposite film consists of carbon nanotube/perfluorinated polymer with acid functional groups in weight ratio of 0.01-20; and at least a pair of electrodes, which contact with the sensing material at one or both side(s). The nanocomposite film increases the sensitivity of humidity sensor element such that even an infinitesimal amount of moisture can be detected with minimum detection limit of 15.

Abstract: A CD drive has a pick-up head for reading data of an optical disc, and a motor for rotating the optical disc. The method first adjusts the rotary speed of the motor so that the vibration frequency of the CD drive is approximately the resonance frequency of a coil of the pick-up head. Then, when the vibration frequency of the CD drive is approximately the resonance frequency of the coil of the pick-up head, the method detects if the voltage of a central error (CE) signal of the CD drive is greater than a threshold voltage. Finally, the method determines if the optical disc is an unbalanced disc according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for dispensing an amount of imbalance correction weight for attachment to a rotary element to reduce an imbalance in the rotary element. The imbalance correction weight includes a number of individual weights provided on a length of double-sided adhesive tape. A guide directs the imbalance correction weight through a channel provided by the guide toward a tape divider. A driver pulls a protective backing away from the tape causing the imbalance correction weight to move through the channel toward the tape divider. A sensor counts the individual weights that move past it. When the sensor has counted a desired number of individual weights, a controller instructs the driver to stop pulling on the protective backing thereby stopping movement of the imbalance correction weight and then instructs the tape divider to divide the tape to provide the amount of imbalance correction weight.

Abstract: A rotational-rate sensor is provided which includes a detecting element, a circuit portion, an airtight container and an elastic body, in which: the synthetic resonance-frequency of a machine system of the rotational-rate sensor and the frequency of an applied rotational rate which corresponds to the difference between the resonance frequency in the direction where the detecting element is driven and the resonance frequency of the detecting element in the direction where the detecting element detects a rotational rate, are each lower than each of the resonance frequency in the direction where the detecting element is driven and the resonance frequency in the direction where the detecting element detects a rotational rate; and the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter in the circuit portion is lower than each of the synthetic resonance-frequency and the frequency of the applied rotational rate.

Abstract: A compact data recorder includes angular rate sensors for monitoring rotational movement about three axes. Three linear accelerometers, or one triaxial linear accelerometer, track linear movement along the same three axes. A processor and memory record outputs from the angular rate sensors and the linear accelerometers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micromachined gyrometer having a planar moving structure anchored on a fixed substrate by anchoring feet, the fixed substrate being mounted on a support substrate via fastening means, the moving structure comprising at least two moving assemblies that are symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry A1; the anchoring feet are located outside this axis A1. The fixed substrate has etched features for the purpose of partly isolating at least one region from the rest of the fixed substrate, this region having a portion of the fixed substrate that includes at least one anchoring foot, and the fixed substrate is mounted on the support substrate via fastening means applied outside the region.

Abstract: A method for reducing errors in a tuning fork gyroscope includes determining a first distance, gt, between an upper sense plate and a proof mass and a second distance, gb, between a lower sense plate and the proof mass. The method further includes applying a first voltage, Vt, to the upper sense plate and a second voltage, Vb, to the lower sense plate, wherein the ratio of the first voltage and the second voltage is a function of the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: An accelerometer having a plate-like proof mass (1), flexible mounting legs (2) each co-planar with the proof mass (1), a ring-like support (3), in which the proof mass (1) is moveably mounted, with each mounting leg (2) being connected at one end to the proof mass (1) and connected at another end to the support (3) and with the mounting legs (2) extending substantially perpendicularly to the sensing direction, a plurality of interdigitated capacitor fingers mounted, in a gaseous medium, in the ring-like support (3) for sensing linear movement of, and for providing gaseous medium squeeze damping for the proof mass (1) in the sensing direction, with the fingers, proof mass (1), mounting legs (2) and support (3) being co-planar and formed from a single plate of mono-crystalline silicon, which fingers comprise fixed first, second, third and fourth arrays (5, 6, 7, 8) of laterally spaced fingers extending substantially perpendicularly to the sensing direction and away from the support (3) towards to the proof mas

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor has two masses which are laterally disposed in an X-Y plane and indirectly connected to a frame. The two masses are linked together by a linkage such that they necessarily move in opposite directions along Z. Angular velocity of the sensor about the Y axis can be sensed by driving the two masses into Z-directed antiphase oscillation and measuring the angular oscillation amplitude thereby imparted to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the angular velocity sensor is fabricated from a bulk MEMS gyroscope wafer, a cap wafer and a reference wafer. In a further preferred embodiment, this assembly of wafers provides a hermetic barrier between the masses and an ambient environment.

Abstract: A structure including an ultrasonic transducer, a material database, and a material determination section. The ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasound signals of a plurality of frequencies toward a printing paper over a frequency band covering 40 kHz to 100 kHz or more, and receives reflection signals. The material database stores information representing a reception signal on a material basis. The material determination section makes a material determination for the printing paper based on the information stored in the material database, and the signal (signal derived by amplifying a signal) received by the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for detecting a change in frequency of a piezoelectric vibrating reed is realized with a simple circuit. The circuit of the measuring apparatus includes a phase lock loop circuit 20 which includes a phase comparator 22, a loop filter 24, and a voltage-controlled oscillator 26. An oscillator circuit 10 of a piezoelectric vibrating reed 12 is connected to the phase comparator 22. An output terminal 30 is provided downstream of the loop filter 24. In a method for measuring mass from a change in oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric vibrating reed 12, an input signal from the piezoelectric vibrating reed 12 is input to the phase comparator 22 of the phase lock loop circuit 20 and the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric vibrating reed 12 is obtained based on the output from the loop filter 24 of the phase lock loop circuit 20.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for the application of a two-dimensional ultrasonic phased array (100), formed of a plurality of transducers (102) arranged in a rectilinear pattern, for material and volumetric component testing. The two-dimensional array enables electronic adjustment of the focal properties and size of the aperture in both the azimuthal and elevational directions such that uniform and/or specified sound field characteristics can be obtained at any or all locations in the component being tested.

Abstract: A pressure transducer apparatus including: first and second pluralities of piezoresistors each coupled in Wheatstone bridge configurations, wherein the bridges are coupled together to provide a first output being indicative of a differential pressure; and, a third plurality of piezoresistors coupled in a Wheatstone bridge configuration and being suitable for providing a second output being indicative of an absolute line pressure. A compensator may be employed for adjusting the first output for line pressure variation responsively to the second output.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor includes a housing having first and second housing members. The first and second housing members define opposing sections of a pressure chamber. The differential pressure sensor also includes a multi-layer laminate forming a pressure sensing diaphragm. The diaphragm is positioned between the first and the second housing members such that it generally bisects the pressure chamber into first and second chamber sections such that a pressure differential between the chamber sections causes the diaphragm to deflect toward the chamber section having the lower pressure. The first and second housing members are positioned to provide an overpressure stop that limits deflection of the diaphragm beyond a predetermined deflection limit.

Abstract: A detector providing an electrical signal in response to the pressures encountered in sensing breath inhalation in respirators. The detector uses a capacitive pressure sensor formed by a flexible conductive diaphragm separated from fixed electrodes by a layer of dielectric film. Deflection of the diaphragm by pressure introduces a low permittivity space in the sensor resulting in a substantial change in capacitance. The change in capacitance modifies the frequency of an oscillator. A frequency responsive circuit provides balancing electrostatic force feedback voltage to the diaphragm. The force feedback stiffens the diaphragm and maintains it in a high capacitance, high sensitivity state. This feedback reduces sensitivity to changes in the diaphragm mechanical properties. Signal filtering reduces the effects of long term drift and environmental factors.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity pressure conduction sensor is presented. The present invention includes a pair of locally resilient conductive layers and a locally resilient pressure conduction composite disposed between and contacting both conductive layers. Alternate embodiments include at least three locally resilient conductive layers and at least two locally resilient pressure conduction composites, each having a critical percolation threshold. Each composite is disposed between and contacting two conductive layers in a multi-layer fashion. Other embodiments include a locally resilient pressure conduction composite, a flexible substrate completely surrounding the composite so as to seal it therein, and a pair of electrical leads contacting the composite and terminating outside of the flexible substrate. Pressure conduction composites are composed of a plurality of conductive particles electrically isolated within a non-conductive matrix.

Abstract: An exemplary mounting arrangement serves for the mounting of a force transducer that has a sensor-equipped core part connecting a support part to a force-application part. The support part can be bolted to a fastening part by mounting screws, and the force-application part can be bolted to a weighing pan carrier by means of mounting screws. The support part and the force-application part of the force transducer can each have a triplet of threaded holes serving to receive the mounting screws. Each triplet forms an isosceles triangle whose apex points towards the deformable body. The symmetry axes of the triangles lie in a plane that is parallel to the displacement travel of the force transducer. The mounting arrangement can be further configured to provide an effective overload protection in a low-profile design and to provide a thermally uncoupled fixation.

Abstract: A flow meter and a flow monitoring system using a plurality of such flow meters. The flow meter includes a tubular turbine housing having an axial flow passage containing a turbine. The turbine includes a turbine body and a plurality of turbine blades centrally connected to a turbine hub, which rotate the turbine upon fluid flow through the turbine housing. The rotation of the turbine is proportionate to the amount of fluid flowing through the turbine housing. A magnet is connected to the turbine for rotation with the turbine about a circular path of rotation. A reed switch housing is connected to the turbine housing. The reed switch housing includes a pair of parallel gusset plates connected to the turbine housing oriented in perpendicular relationship to the intended direction of fluid flow through the turbine housing, and end walls connected to the gusset plates to form a closed reed switch compartment. A reed switch assembly is contained in the reed switch housing.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine a first flow rate of a first phase within a two-phase flow through the flowtube and determine a second flow rate of a second phase within the two-phase flow.

Abstract: A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test has a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test. The coupler has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration and a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis, in the form of an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof. A second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement and has an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a plurality of engagement portions that communicate exclusively with a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of the first coupler portion, and is axially translatable along the first coupler portion.

Abstract: A thin plate-shaped six-axis force sensor chip comprising a semiconductor substrate formed by semiconductor film-forming processes, the sensor chip having through-holes formed therein and arranged so that the sensor chip is functionally divided by the through-holes into an action part to which an external force is applied, a support part to be fixed to an external structure, and a plurality of connecting parts each connecting together the action part and the support part and having a bridge portion of generally T-shaped configuration joined to the action part and an elastic portion joined to the support part. Each of the connecting parts has a plurality of strain resistance devices each comprising an active layer formed on at least one of front and rear faces thereof in an area thereof where deformation strain effectively occurs, the strain resistance devices being electrically connected to corresponding electrodes disposed in the support part.

Abstract: An antifriction bearing equipped with sensors for measuring the length change in the rolling contact between antifriction elements and the outer ring, region vectors are formed and pass via an interface to an evaluation unit disposed outside the antifriction bearing which add region vectors from the sensors in at least three regions and determines magnitude and direction of force on the bearing.

Abstract: A method of determining a rotor angle in a drive control for a motor, comprising the steps of (a) determining a rotor magnetic flux in the motor; (b) estimating the rotor angle on the basis of the rotor magnetic flux; and (c) correcting the estimated rotor angle on the basis of reactive power input to the motor. Step (a) may include the step of non-ideal integration of stator voltage and current values. Step (b) may include the step of correcting phase errors caused by said non-ideal integration via a PLL circuit with phase compensation (F). Step (c) may include the steps of (1) calculating a first reactive power input value as 1.5*We*(C_Lq *I*I) and a second reactive power input value as 1.5*(Vq*id?Vd*iq); (2) determining a difference between said first and second reactive power input values; and (3) applying said difference to the rotor angle estimated in step (b) to obtain a corrected rotor angle.

Abstract: An encoder includes an encoder body adapted to detect the rotation of an object to be measured, a cover that covers a rear part of the encoder body, and a connector that connects an inner circuit of the encoder body to an outer circuit. The connector is mounted on the cover by a change direction adaptor, which makes it possible to change the connection direction of the connector with a single cover.

Abstract: To measure a load accurately by reducing effects of change of tire grounding points, a vehicle weight meter includes first and second strain detecting sensors for detecting strains of an axle shaft, a summing circuit for summing outputs of the first and second strain detecting sensors, and a computing circuit for calculating a load with a summed output of the summing circuit. The first strain detecting sensor is mounted on a side surface of the axle shaft between a load point and one end of the axle shaft. The second strain detecting sensor is mounted on the side surface of the axle shaft between the load point and the other end of the axle shaft.

Abstract: A modular force-measuring cell is disclosed which includes a force transducer equipped with sensors that measure changes occurring in the state of the force transducer as a result of a force or temperature. The force-measuring cell also includes a memory module for storing compensation data associated with the modular force-measuring cell. The memory module and at least one converter circuit for the conversion of the signals delivered by the sensors are arranged in a circuit module that is mechanically and thermally coupled to the force transducer.

Abstract: A force-measuring cell is disclosed which is equipped with a force transducer which includes a deformable body that is equipped with sensors. The deformable body connects a housing-mounted fixed part to a force-introducing part of the force transducer. The sensors are connected to electrical conductors of at least one flat ribbon cable which leads to a circuit module that serves to process the measuring signals and contains the connections for joining the sensors together in a measuring bridge circuit. The conductor tracks can be configured so that all of the connecting leads from nodal points of a measuring bridge to the contact terminals of the sensors have at least approximately equal resistance values.

Abstract: A new load cell design that is a combination of the column cell and proving ring designs while having the best features of both. The proving ring geometry is used to boost the transverse gage output giving tension and compression strain measurements that are more equal than in a column cell, while the gage placement is the same as a typical column cell, giving a superior temperature transient behavior. The device retains the high stiffness characteristics of column cells.

Abstract: A sampling device is disclosed. The sampling device is portable and capable of taking two samples in parallel. The sampling device can include two filter locations that are subjected to similar environmental conditions. The sampling device design facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, and can be designed so that a single filter holder design can be used in both filter locations.

Abstract: A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus includes a head configured to receive a pad for sampling explosive residue on a surface and a feedback system coupled to the head. The feedback system is configured to indicate when a pressure applied by the head is greater than a minimum threshold value. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a head configured to receive a pad and rotate to apply a shear force to the pad for sampling explosive residue on a surface. The apparatus includes a feedback system coupled to the head, which is configured to restrict the shear force applied by the head to be within a predetermined range. In another aspect, a method includes applying pressure to a pad to sample explosive residue on a surface, sensing the pressure applied to the pad, and providing an indication of when the pressure applied to the pad is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: Embodiments of a crash simulator sled assembly are disclosed. The crash simulator sled assembly can include a sled, an element movable relative to the sled, and a force element, such as a damper assembly or actuator assembly, coupled to the element. A second sled can also be connected to the element. The damper assembly can control relative movement of the element relative to the sled, while the actuator can develop force to replace force attributable to mass. This provides advantages for more efficient and effective test crash simulation and research.

Abstract: Gaseous or volatile substances which are either themselves odor-active or components of odor-active mixtures of substances are applied to fabrics. The amount of these substances adsorbed by the textiles is then determined. It is then determined what amount of these substances is desorbed again by the textiles upon storage. Comparison of the results which are obtained on textiles which had been finished beforehand with textile auxiliaries with the results of non-finished textiles enables statements to be made regarding odor-inhibiting properties of textile auxiliaries.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device in an application in which movement in two different devices can be created using a single operating lever (9) the device being based on the rotation of sprockets. A sprocket (11) attached to the shaft (10) of the operating lever (9) is equipped on only part of its circumference with teeth that engage with the adjacent sprockets (13, 15). The operating device is mainly intended to move the press carrier and sidenipping device of a glue-binding device (1).

Abstract: A starter for cranking an internal combustion engine includes an electric motor, an output shaft, and a one-way clutch for transmitting a rotational torque of the electric motor to the output shaft. The one-way clutch is composed of a clutch-outer driven by the electric motor, a clutch-inner spline-coupled to the output shaft, and rollers disposed between the clutch-outer and the clutch-inner. A portion of the clutch-inner is utilized as an inner ring of a ball bearing rotatably supporting the clutch-inner. A ball-groove rotatably supporting the bearing balls and retaining lubricant therein is formed on the outer circumference of the clutch-inner. In this manner, an original inner ring of the ball bearing can be eliminated without adversely affecting the lubricating function.

Abstract: An electrically actuated linear actuator capable of simulating the performances of a pneumatic cylinder; the actuator includes a gear reduction unit connected to a slidable rod via a drive device including a screw-nut assembly. The gear reduction unit is slidably supported and, at the end of the working stroke of the actuator, is moved backwards by the rotation of the screw of the drive device, against biasing springs which provide a forward thrust on the rod. An electronic control unit selectively controls the power supply to the electric motor and to a locking brake, in relation to control signals emitted by a rotary signal generator.

Abstract: Engine torque selectively inputted through first and second input shafts is received and changed selectively by first and second output devices respectively having first and second output shafts. A reverse driven gear is axially offset from drive gears on the first and second input shafts such that some gear teeth of the reverse driven gear are close to an exterior circumference of one of the first and second input shafts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular transmission that can be combined with a drive module having an output shaft. The modular transmission comprises at least one worm-gear module that can be coupled directly to the drive module output shaft by an insertable clutch and an intermediate flange. The worm shaft of the worm-gear module has clutch toothing complementary to a clutch toothing of the insertable clutch. The modular transmission may also include one or more spur-gear modules interposed between the drive module and worm-gear module. Each spur-gear module is provided with an output-side spur wheel with clutch toothing compatible with the clutch toothing of the worm shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the gearbox actuation system of an automatic gearbox of a vehicle, whereby at least one reference travel is made with the gear engaged. The invention further relates to a gearbox actuation system for selecting and engaging gears in an automatic gearbox of a vehicle, especially for carrying out the inventive method, whereby at least one reference travel is made for the purpose of adjustment.

Abstract: The cartridge type transmission is a transmission configured to be detachable and attachable from/to the crankcase, the main shaft is arranged on the cut surface BF of the crankcase, and the change spindle and the shift fork shaft are pivotally supported in the upper crankcase, which is positioned on the upper side of the cut surface BF. The counter shaft is pivotally supported in the lower crankcase, which is positioned on the lower side of the cut surface BF.

Abstract: The invention is about a mechanical two-directional transportation apparatus, specifing a mechanical two-directional transportation apparatus which makes use of a differential gearwheel construction with a changing cors, which results in the different rotation speeds of the gear-wheels creating a movement with and against the rotary motion.

Abstract: A drive system for chain sprockets 1 of chain drives, more particularly for driving chain scraper conveyors or chain-drawn ploughs for underground mining, with a drive assembly formed of an asynchronous motor and a gear mechanism 4, the gear mechanism 4 being designed as overload gearing and having a controllable multiple-disk clutch for overload equalisation with which the force flow between the asynchronous motor and the chain sprocket can be disconnected. The asynchronous motor comprises a frequency converter motor 10 and in the drive assembly between the motor shaft and the gear mechanism 4 a two-gear toothed wheel gear mechanism is arranged as a forward gear mechanism, with a starting gear position and a normal gear position, with which in the starting gear position the breakaway effect required for starting the loaded chain scraper conveyor or for releasing the plough can be attained.

Abstract: An endplay structure is provided for controlling endplay of a shaft 25 of a motor 19. The endplay structure includes a body 22 including a generally elliptically shaped recess 26 therein. The recess is constructed and arranged to be disposed generally adjacent to an end of the shaft. An engagement member 28 has a generally spherical portion constructed and arranged to be received in a press-fit arrangement with the recess. The engagement member has a surface 32 constructed and arranged to contact the end of the shaft. Whereby, when the surface of the engagement member is contacted by the end of the shaft, the spherical portion of the engagement member is press-fitted into the recess to control endplay of the shaft.

Abstract: There are provided a resin double helical gear capable of reducing operation noises and vibrations of an image forming system, such as an ink jet printer, which is arranged in the vicinity of an operator, and a gear train using the same and having a smaller number of parts. The gear train 2 for ink jet printer 1 includes a first resin double helical gear 5 which is mounted on an output shaft 4 of a motor 3 so as to be rotatable therewith, and a second resin double helical gear 6 which is mounted on a paper feeding roller shaft 7 so as to be rotatable therewith and which meshes with the first resin double helical gear 5.

Abstract: A handling mechanism of a gearshift which enable to shift endlessly into neutral, first-speed, second-speed, third-speed, fourth-speed, fifth-speed, neutral, first-speed, second-speed, third-speed, fourth-speed, fifth-speed for example can be used for the wire-typed and lot-typed transmission. The gearshift handling mechanism can be shifted endlessly and mechanically into neutral, first-speed, second-speed, third-speed, fourth-speed, fifth-speed, neutral, first-speed, second-speed, third-speed, fourth-speed, fifth-speed for example via the operation lever which is moved in the forward-backward direction.

Abstract: An operating position select device for an automatic transmission has a select lever unit having a select lever operated by a driver; a mode shift unit mounted on the automatic transmission to shift operation modes of the automatic transmission; a first and second control cables and others for mechanically connecting the select lever and the mode shift unit, and an actuator for outputting assist torque to shift the mode shift unit. An operating angle sensor detects an operating angle of the select lever and an assist angle sensor detects an assist angle of the assist actuator. A control unit controls a drive current supplied to the assist actuator based on the operating angle and the assist angle.

Abstract: A shifting apparatus for an automatic transmission of a vehicle has a shift lever; a push knob (1d) operable in a pushing manner; an erroneous operation preventing window (12); a rod lock pin (1c) adapted to be lowered by the pushing down operation of the push knob (1d); and a lock mechanism operated by the descending motion of the rod lock pin (1c) to release the engagement with the erroneous operation preventing window (12) in order to enable the swing motion of the shift lever (1) from the predetermined position. The lock mechanism includes a pivot member pivotable around a pivot shaft on the shift lever (1) and normally urged toward a side limiting the swing motion of the shift lever (1). The pivot member has a first branch (8b) adapted to engage and disengage the erroneous operation preventing window (12) according to its pivot motion.