Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure for assembling components in an expansion valve used in air conditioners. An expansion valve body 30 has a valve chamber 35 and a passage 32 through which refrigerant from a compressor enters. The refrigerant passing through a flow path between a valve means 32b and an orifice 32a is sent through a passage 321 toward an evaporator. The refrigerant returning from the evaporator passes through a passage 34 and flows toward the compressor. A power element 36 operates the valve means 32b in response to the thermal load of the evaporator and controls the flow rate of refrigerant. The lower end of a spring 32d disposed within the valve chamber 35 and biasing the valve means 32b toward the orifice 32a is supported by a sealing member 150 that is inserted to an opening 35a of the valve chamber and fixed to position via a crimping portion K1.

Abstract: An item of jewelry includes a ring having a removable setting and a charm coupled to a short chain. The removable setting is removably coupled to a post upon which the chain carrying the charm can be attached. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the post is threaded and the setting has internal matching threads. The chain is preferably short enough so that when it is attached to the post, the charm does not hang between the wearer's fingers. The charms are preferably provided in a wide range of designs, including, but not limited to holiday themes, religious themes, astrological signs, varsity letters, graduation year, wedding themes, commercial characters such as Disney characters, TV characters, messages such as “I Love You”, etc. The interchangeable settings may include different color stones to match different color clothing, birth stones, etc.

Abstract: A knitted fabric joining method is provided wherein at least two tubular knitted fabrics are knitted and then those tubular knitted fabrics are overlapped with and joined to each other in such a manner that a joining region of a front knitted fabric part is different in number of wales from a joining region of a back knitted fabric part.

Abstract: Dying or bleaching apparatus for yarn wound on reels or similar packages, comprising a dying boiler (15) having an annular section suitable for receiving a single circular load of mobile reel holder shafts (13) which can be removed at the same time for the subsequent water draining and drying operations, operating with less liquid and also capable of being used with fractional capacities with a constant soaking ratio.

Abstract: A security check hanging lock structure including a lock housing, a first (private) lock mechanism, a second (common) lock mechanism, a first locking member and a second locking member. Each of the first and second locking members has a base end pivotally disposed in the lock housing and a free end extending to outer side of the lock housing. The free ends of the first and second locking members are connectable to form a hanging hook. The first and second lock mechanisms are disposed in the lock housing for drivingly controlling the movement of the first and second locking members. By means of unlocking the first and second lock mechanisms, the free ends of the first and second locking members can be respectively driven to displace away from each other so as to unlock the hanging lock in two manners.

Abstract: A system for determining quantities which influence the operating dynamics of a motor vehicle, the system containing at least two different control and/or regulating systems by which, independently of one another and independently of the driver, intervention measures which influence the vehicle dynamics may be performed with the help of suitable actuators, in response to one of these at least two different control and/or regulating systems carrying out an intervention influencing the operating dynamics of the vehicle, in each case the same quantity which describes the vehicle dynamics being altered by this intervention, at least two of the intervention measures influencing the vehicle dynamics being implemented in such a way that the same quantity which describes the vehicle dynamics is altered as little as possible by the intervention measures, and in the ideal case is not altered at all.

Abstract: A door lock includes a housing suitable for secure attachment to a door, a cylinder body within the housing and selectively rotatable with respect to the housing, and a rotating member with a key receptacle selectively rotatable with respect to the cylinder body. The rotating member is coupled to a tailpiece. A first locking device allows the rotation of the cylinder body with respect to the housing upon the presentation of an appropriate electronic credential, and a second locking device allows rotation of the rotating member together with the tailpiece with respect to the cylinder body upon the insertion of an appropriate key in the key receptacle.

Abstract: The holder member 4 is rotatably supported at the tip portion 2a of the sliding member 2 placed on the guide face 1a of the guide member 1 arranged fixedly inside the cylinder C. The holder member 4 is inclined when the tip portion 3a of the profiling member 3 is inserted between the holder member 4 and the sliding member 2. Then the tapered end of the processing roller 6 is pushed into the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder where the sliding member 2 and the profiling member 3 move together in the axial direction of the cylinder, thereby to form a linear groove on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder C.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using an extrusion, forging, casting and/or machining process to provide an aluminum hitch component with increased strength that eliminates encumbrances, such as rusting and fusing, associated with traditional hitch components. Accordingly, an extruded hitch is provided that includes increased tensile strength, does not rust, is lighter, and is more appealing to consumers.

Abstract: A process of forming bend-controlling structures, such as slits, grooves or displacements (22), in a sheet of material (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721). The bend-controlling structures (22) have central portions (26) extending substantially parallel to a desired bend line (23) on the sheet and end portions (27) which diverge away from the bend line (23). In one embodiment the process includes the step of forming the bending straps (24) between pairs of slit end portions (27) at a desired spaced apart distances along the bend line (23) with the straps (24) having a desired configuration, and the step of forming central portions (26) which connect the end portions (27) to complete the slits (22) using a separate die set. A plurality of end portion dies (51/54) can be used to produce end portions (27) of various shapes and straps (24) of various widths, and a single set of central portion forming dies (71/74) are used to connect the end portions (27).

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and devices for bending a cylindrical tube or the like (1) so as to obtain two consecutive sections (2, 3) of said tube forming between them a non-null angle alpha. The method is essentially characterised in that it consists in producing, in the wall (4) of the tube (1), a wave (20) defined between two flanks (22, 23) forming between them a non-null angle beta substantially centred on the separation plane (21) between the two sections, then in producing a permanent plastic deformation of the wave (20) until the value of the angle between the two sections (2, 3) is obtained. The device enables to implement said method. The invention is useful in particular but not exclusively, for producing pipes for transporting fluids in motor vehicles or the like.

Abstract: The method serves to compensates anisotropy in an inertial rotation sensor comprising a metallized vibrating bell (1) having a bias voltage applied thereto, the vibrating bell (1) having an edge (7) electrodes (5.1, 5.2), and the method comprises the steps of measuring, preferably by multiplexing, the anisotropy between the electrodes and of applying to the electrodes a fraction of the bias voltage that depends on the differences measured between the electrodes.

Abstract: Techniques for ultrasonically evaluating damage to a laminate structure include use of a diagnostic device having at least two modes of operation including a calibration mode and a test mode with the calibration mode providing calibration parameters specific to the laminate structure under test.

Abstract: An impact test apparatus includes a holding device for holding a test piece at an arbitrary holding force, an impact applying device for applying an impact force to the test piece held by the holding device, a force sensor for sensing the impact force applied to the test piece by the impact applying device, a high-speed camera for detecting a displacement of the test piece when applied with the impact force by the impact applying device, and an output device for synchronizing a signal from the force sensor with a signal from the high-speed camera and outputting an impact stress-strain characteristic curve when the impact force is applied to the test piece.

Abstract: The invention presents a gas sensor low in cost and easy to form a terminal member, a gas sensor cap connected to the gas sensor for sending an output signal to an external device, and a gas sensor unit capable of holding a stable electrically connected state between the terminal member of the gas sensor and the gas sensor cap. The gas sensor 100 of the invention includes a gas detecting element 120 and a terminal member 150.

Abstract: A method for determining the characteristic properties of soot particles originating from combustion processes utilizes the determination of the blackening of a filter paper. In order to allow for achieving a quick and relatively accurate determination of the particle sizes, possibly of further characteristics as well, a method of this kind provides that the pressure conditions on the filter paper are established as well. It is advantageous for this purpose to determine the differential pressure on the filter and/or filter paper caused by the deposition of the particles.

Abstract: An oil-filled transformer monitoring system is provided which calculates an oil temperature of an oil-filled transformer with high precision from a current of the transformer and an ambient temperature. The oil-filled transformer monitoring system of this invention has an oil temperature calculation device to calculate a transformer oil temperature using measurements from a transformer current measuring device and an ambient temperature measuring device. The transformer monitoring system also has an oil temperature measuring device and compares an output value from the oil temperature calculation device with an output value from the oil temperature measuring device to detect any anomaly.

Abstract: The invention provides a soil moisture content measurement system comprising a porous plate arranged to support a soil sample; a hanging water tube extending downwardly from the porous plate, the tube arranged to convey liquid toward and away from the porous plate; a measuring capillary tube in connection with the hanging water tube, the measuring capillary tube arranged to convey liquid toward and away from the hanging water tube; measurement apparatus configured to measure the movement of liquid within the measuring capillary tube; and a data memory configured to receive and store data from the measurement apparatus representing liquid movement measurements within the measuring capillary tube. The invention also provides a related method of measuring soil moisture content.

Abstract: A method for determining the water resistance of glass fiber based insulation to wetting by water is disclosed. The method generally comprise the steps of placing a sample of insulation into contact with a source of water for a defined period of time; removing the insulation sample from the water containing surface; draining the sample for a prescribed period of time, and determining the water resistance according to certain formulas or observations.

Abstract: A system for determining a brake rotor characteristic includes test instrumentation. The test instrumentation includes at least one pair of linear variable displacement transducers placed on opposing side surfaces of a brake rotor. The brake rotor is mounted on a motor vehicle. The test instrumentation also includes a rotation detector oriented toward the brake rotor. The test instrumentation further includes a brake test controller powered by a power source of the motor vehicle and/or an internal device battery. The brake test controller is configured to acquire data from the at least one pair of linear variable displacement transducers and the rotation detector. A method for determining a brake rotor characteristic includes collecting data from the brake rotor and analyzing the data to produce test results representative of the characteristic of the brake rotor.

Abstract: A method for measuring at least one characteristic property of a pneumatic tire for a vehicle wheel includes arranging at least one array of deformable sensors along a first direction; making the tire pass at speed over the sensors along a second direction; generating an electrical signal proportional to a speed of deformation of each sensor when the tyre contacts the sensor; detecting the electrical signal generated by each sensor; and determining, starting with the detected signals, the at least one characteristic property. The second direction is a motion direction of the tire. The first direction is transverse to the second. The at least one array of sensors extends in the first direction for a distance greater than or equal to a dimension of the tire in the first direction. When the at least one array includes a plurality of arrays, the arrays may be arranged substantially in parallel.

Abstract: A battery powered tire pressure sensor system with a high sensitivity stretch sensor assembly having a variable resistance longitudinal displacement characteristic. The stretch sensor assembly has at least two juxtaposed stretch sensors, each with a first layer bearing the variable resistance element and a second support layer. The sensor assembly is mounted on or in the side wall of a pneumatic tire so that the assembly is displaced by the tire side wall and the resistance is a function of internal tire pressure. The assembly is coupled to a processor which samples the resistance of the stretch sensor assembly periodically. When the processor determines that the pressure is outside a safe range, an r.f. generator is activated by the processor to generate an unsafe tire pressure signal. This signal is converted by a receiver to a warning for the driver. A power saving unit controls application of electrical power to the system as a function of tire speed to prolong battery life.

Abstract: The present invention provides a down hole spectrometer for determination of dew point pressure to determine an associated optimal pumping rate during sampling to avoid precipitation of asphaltenes in a formation sample. A sample is captured at formation pressure in a controlled volume. The pressure in the controlled volume is reduced. Initially the formation fluid sample appears dark and allows less light energy to pass through a sample under test. The sample under test, however, becomes lighter and allows more light energy to pass through the sample as the pressure is reduced and the formation fluid sample becomes thinner or less dense under the reduced pressure. At the dew point pressure, however, the sample begins to darken and allows less light energy to pass through it as apshaltenes begin to precipitate out of the sample. Thus, the dew point is that pressure at which peak light energy passes through the sample.

Abstract: A skin and tissue simulant including a gelatin composite block and an ether based cast polyurethane sheet. The gelatin composite block acting as the tissue simulant. The sheet acting as the skin simulant, the sheet disposed over a portion of the gelatin composite block.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the volume of liquid in a probe tip of an aspirating or dispensing probe, such as those used in a diagnostic analyzer, includes: two electrodes on opposite sides of the probe tip and the electrodes and liquid form a variable capacitor; a resistor; a voltage source and the electrodes and resistor are in electrical communication in at least one of series, parallel or series and parallel to form an RC circuit; and a microprocessor in electrical communication with the RC circuit for converting an electrical signal to a volume of liquid in the probe tip. In a preferred embodiment, the probe tip is separate from the probe and is adapted to be fitted on the end of a probe for aspirating and dispensing a liquid.

Abstract: An automatic water level sensing device is used in a massage tub. The massage tube comprises: a plurality of water circulation devices and a switch; each water circulation device having at least one suction opening, at least one water outlet and a motor; the automatic water level sensing device comprising a first sensor head, a second sensor head, a sensor element and a CPU control element. The first sensor head and second sensor head are connected to the sensor element; the second sensor head is connected to the CPU control element; and the CPU control element is connected to the motor and the switch. The sensor element serves to detect a resistance between the first sensor head and second sensor head for acquiring a level of water in the massage tub.

Abstract: A fluid sensor arrangement (20) includes a sleeve (32) that is adapted to be placed within a container (24). A plurality of conductors (46, 48) and a channel member (50) within the sleeve cooperate to provide a measurement of conductivity of the fluid within the sleeve (32). The conductivity measurement provides an indication of a level of fluid within the container (24). A disclosed example includes a non-conductive channel member (50) having an opening or a channel (52) for directing selected portions of a conductivity field within the sleeve (32) between the conductors (46, 48) for making the conductivity determinations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling level sensor for a fuel tank with a float which is fastened to a lever arm and at least one contact which is arranged on the lever arm and is in connection with a slider track formed as a thick-film resistor. The thick-film resistor consists of at least two precious metals, one precious metal being silver and present in a smaller proportion than the other precious metal.

Abstract: A memory which stores an output value indicating a liquid level is provided in a Hall-effect IC, and an uppermost position and a lowermost position of a float, which are set in advance, are written to the memory as an uppermost liquid level and a lowermost liquid level using a reference position writing jig.

Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor for detecting a humidity change includes a first sensor element having a first capacitance, a second sensor element having a second capacitance and connected in series with the first sensor element, and a humidity sensitive layer having a dielectric constant, which changes in accordance with humidity. The first and the second capacitances change with respect to the humidity change at a different rate. The humidity is detected using the different capacitances of the first and the second sensor elements. The humidity sensitive layer is formed to each sensor element so that each sensor element can be effectively protected.

Abstract: A packaging system in one example comprises an improved mechanical packaging system for a circuit board disposed between housing elements, the improvement comprising an upper housing member having a centrally disposed opening provided therethrough, a unitary electromagnetic shield disposed on at least an upper surface of the circuit board and secured to the circuit board, the unitary electromagnetic shield secured to the upper housing member, such that undesired mechanical vibration modes are substantially reduced.

Abstract: Rate sensor having a plurality of generally planar masses, a drive axis in the planes of the masses, an input axis perpendicular to the drive axis, and sense axes perpendicular to the drive axis and the input axis. The masses are driven to oscillate about the drive axes and are mounted for torsional movement about the sense axes in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the torsional movement about the sense axis for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: An optical accelerometer includes a beam and at least one optical fiber affixed to one side of the beam such that deflection of the beam changes a length of the optical fiber. A device for sensing the change in length of the optical fiber is functionally coupled to the at least one fiber. A seismic sensor system includes at least two accelerometers, oriented such that their sensitive axes are at least partially aligned along mutually orthogonal directions. Each accelerometer includes a beam, and at least one optical fiber affixed to one side of the beam such that deflection of the beam changes a length of the at least one optical fiber. A device for sensing the change in length of the optical fiber is functionally coupled to the at least one fiber of each accelerometer.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a housing member, a spring member attached to the housing member, the spring member having freedom in at least one direction of acceleration to be detected, a weight and magnetic field generation member fixed to the spring member, and at least one magnetic field detection sensor attached to the housing member to face the weight and magnetic field generation member. The at least one magnetic field detection sensor is provided with at least one multi-layered MR element including a magnetization fixed layer and a magnetization free layer. A direction of magnetic field applied to the at least one multi-layered MR element from the weight and magnetic field generation member is perpendicular to a lamination plane of the at least one multi-layered MR element when no acceleration is applied.

Abstract: A semiconductor acceleration sensor is disclosed which has a small difference in acceleration detection sensitivity among X, Y, and Z axes and a high detection sensitivity. The acceleration sensor has a mass portion in its center, a support frame surrounding the mass portion, and a plurality of flexible arms connecting the mass portion and the support frame. The flexible arm has wider portions on both ends and a narrower portion between the wider portions. Piezo resistors are restrictedly provided within a top surface region of the wider portion of the flexible arm, and through holes connecting metal wires and the piezo resistors are disposed on the mass portion/support frame. The plurality of flexible arms are symmetric with respect to the center of the mass portion, and each of the flexible arms is symmetric with respect to the center line of the flexible arm.

Abstract: A method of monitoring pressure of a gas species up to at most a predetermined maximum pressure value is disclosed. The method includes exposing the gas species to transmission of laser light, periodically modulating the wavelength of the laser light over a wavelength band including at least one absorption line of the gas species, optoelectrically converting the transmitted laser light, thereby generating an electric output signal, performing at least one of first filtering the electric output signal with a filter characteristic having a lower cut-off frequency not lower than a transition frequency and of second filtering the electric output signal with a bandpass filter characteristic having an upper cut-off frequency not higher than the transition frequency and a lower cut-off frequency above the modulation frequency of the periodic wavelength modulation. The output of at least one of the filterings is evaluated as a pressure indicative signal.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (30) for sensing fluid pressure in harsh environments such as the air pressure in a tire by providing a chamber (58) partially defined by a flexible membrane (50). The flexible membrane (50) is at least partially formed from conductive material, and the chamber (58) contains a fluid at a reference pressure. The flexible membrane (50) deflects from any pressure difference between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure. A conductive layer (36) within the chamber spaced from the flexible membrane (50) and, associated circuitry (34) incorporating the flexible membrane (50) and the conductive layer (36). The conductive layer (36) and the flexible membrane (50) form capacitor electrodes and the deflection of the flexible membrane (50) changes the capacitance which the associated circuitry (34) converts into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and guide wire assembly (20) for intravascular measurements of physiological variables in a living body, comprising a core wire (21) and a sensor element (22). The sensor and guide wire assembly (20) comprises further a jacket (25; 35; 45) provided with a first opening (26; 36; 46), in which at least a portion of the sensor element (22) is arranged, and a second opening (27; 37; 47), in which a portion of the core wire (21) is arranged, the first opening (26; 36; 46) and the second opening (27; 37; 47) being separated from each other.

Abstract: A new and useful wireline extensometer is provided that uses a tensioned cable extending between a supply spool and an anchor (e.g. of a type connected to a slope mass), measures movement of the cable to reflect movement of the anchor (e.g. due to movement of the slope mass), and includes a magnetic brake configured to provide a predetermined constant non-frictional braking force on the supply spool. The preferred wireline extensometer is designed to (i) minimize the risk of the extensometer reporting data that suggest slope movement where the slope mass has not moved to an undesirable extent, (ii) measure slope movement at relatively slow rates as well as rapid rates, and to (iii) measure slope mass movements continuously, and in a manner that can be efficiently and effectively communicated to responsible personnel.

Abstract: A device for measuring torsional distortion of a body comprises first and second clip portions each having a central part and two legs depending from the central part, each leg having adjacent the free end thereof a groove or projection for engaging a respective projection or groove (14) provided in the body (16) to mount the clip portion the body rotationally fastened therewith. A bridge interconnects the clip portion. The bridge is less stiff than the clip portions whereby relative rotational displacement of the clip portions caused by torsional distortion of the body will cause proportional deflection of the bridge. Means, for example a SAW device (15), are provided for measuring the deflection of the bridge to provide an indication of the torsional distortion which produces the deflection of the bridge. Also (20) for the interior all of a hollow body.

Abstract: A method, system, controller and computer program product, for controlling the flow of a multiphase fluid comprising gas and liquid in a conduit, which conduit is provided at a downstream side with a flow restriction and a valve having a variable aperture, which method comprises the steps of selecting a flow parameter of the multiphase fluid in the conduit as a function of a pressure difference over the flow restriction; selecting a setpoint for the flow parameter; allowing the multiphase fluid to flow at a selected setpoint of the aperture of the variable valve; determining the pressure difference over the flow restriction and determining an actual value of the flow parameter from the pressure difference, without using a measurement of another variable in order to determine an actual gas/liquid ratio pertaining to the pressure difference at the flow restriction; controlling the flow of the multiphase fluid by determining a deviation of the flow parameter from its setpoint, determining an updated setpoint

Abstract: A modular encoder includes an encoder housing and a printed circuit board mounted in the encoder housing. The modular encoder also includes a mounting bracket adapted to electrically couple to the printed circuit board and a mounting screw adapted to couple the encoder housing to a motor and to electrically couple the mounting bracket to the motor.

Abstract: An electronic torque-tool tester (10) designed to verify that various mechanical, electrical and pneumatic torque tools such as a torque wrench, are correctly calibrated. The tester (10) includes a housing (50) that is bordered by a horizontal mounting plate (14) and a vertical mounting plate (36). From the front of the housing (50) extends a torque transducer (132) that converts a rotational mechanical force produced by the torque wrench, into a corresponding electrical signal (11) that is converted by an electronics circuit (130) into a corresponding display signal (17). The display signal (17) operates a digital display unit (146) from where the applied torque in inch/pounds or foot/pounds can be viewed. The digital display unit (146) is attached to an articulated display assembly (108) that can be rotated through a 90 to 350-degree arc and that allows the digital display unit (146) to also be rotated through a 90 to 350-degree arc.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor assembly is adapted to be secured to the seat belt assembly of a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing for a seat belt anchor adapted for movement relative to the housing into an overload position where a portion of the anchor is abutted against a portion of the housing to limit and arrest the movement of the anchor relative to the housing and transfer the load from the anchor to the housing and then to an interior structure of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the housing forms a collar and the anchor includes an interior wall defining an aperture through which the collar extends when the anchor is mounted to the housing. Movement of the anchor relative to the housing is limited as a result of the contact between the interior anchor wall and the collar.

Abstract: A method for characterizing contaminants within sediment comprising positioning a sampler in a continuous manner within the sediment, exposing the sampler to the sediment for a dwell time, retrieving the sampler, and analyzing the sampler. The sampler is exposed to the sediment for a sufficient period of time to allow at least one analyte of interest to permeate the sampler. The sampler may be analyzed using fluorescence and/or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine contamination versus sampler length. The contamination versus sampler length may be converted to contamination versus depth or contamination versus horizontal position.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a specimen. The apparatus having means for withdrawing a small sample of the specimen thereby preventing the potential contamination of the majority of the specimen.

Abstract: A black panel assembly for use in an accelerated weathering test device having a specimen table includes a platform disposed on the specimen table, the platform including a plurality of standoffs and a mounting surface, wherein the plurality of standoffs elevate the mounting surface relative to the specimen table. The black panel assembly additionally includes a black panel having an exposure side and a mounting side, wherein the black panel is mounted on the platform from the mounting side. The black panel assembly further includes a temperature sensor connected to the exposure side of the black panel.

Abstract: The location of a pig in a conduit, e.g., an underwater pipeline, may be determined by measuring an amount of a fluid displaced by the pig from the conduit and calculating the location of the pig in the conduit based on that amount of fluid. In particular, the amount of the fluid displaced by the pig may be measured using a flow meter positioned near an exit of the conduit. This amount may then be transmitted to a computer for calculating the location via, for example acoustic telemetry. The location of the pig may then be transmitted from the computer to a receiving device for receiving and displaying the location.

Abstract: An adjusting device has a carriage, at least one guide element, on which the carriage is mounted such that it can be moved, a shifting device for moving the carriage, and a securing mechanism for securing the carriage in a desired position. To provide an improved adjusting device, which has more compact construction and enables a simpler and more precise adjustment without additional contrivances, the shifting device has an electric motor, which is integrated in the carriage, and the securing mechanism blocks any movement of the carriage when the motor stands still and is automatically released when the motor starts running.

Abstract: A mesh-type automatic transmission includes a power input shaft for introducing power of an engine, a plurality of transmission gears, a plurality of cogged clutches, a power output shaft for outputting driving force, a counter shaft, and a plurality of counter gears, for transmitting power of the engine to the power output shaft by rotating the power input shaft with the power of the engine, rotating the counter shaft, and transmitting rotation of the counter shaft to the power output shaft with automatic gear change by engaging and disengaging the cogged clutches to one of the transmission gears corresponding to the speed. The counter shaft is provided with an assist mechanism for transmitting rotational force of the power input shaft to the power output shaft by transmitting rotation of the counter shaft via the assist gear, during the period of disengagement of a gear to the engagement of a new gear during gear change.