Abstract: A terminal crimping machine includes a frame. An accommodating board is located on the frame and defines recesses unfolding symmetrically. The junction of the recesses defines an aperture running through the accommodating board. Drifts are slidably received in the recesses of the accommodating board respectively. Each of the drifts has a bar which protrudes rearward from a back surface of the drift. A propelled member rotationally configured at the back of the accommodating board defines cavities distributing symmetrically, and each cavity extends continually from outside to inner. The cavities slidably receive the bars of the drifts respectively. A driven mechanism, mounted on the frame, connects with the propelled member.

Abstract: A system for testing and calibrating gas sensors with gas stored in a strip of packets. The strip may be fed into a chamber having a defined volume of air. A packet may be punctured with a mechanism to release one or more gases into the volume of air to result in an air-gas mixture. New air may be moved into the chamber to push the mixture out of the chamber to a sensor for testing and/or calibration. Then another packet may be punctured to release one or more gases into the volume of new air in the chamber for another air-gas mixture. This mixture may be moved out of the chamber, in the same manner as the previous mixture, to another sensor for testing and/or calibration. This procedure may be repeated with additional packets on the strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bi-directional piston displacement type volumetric fluid flow rate delivery and metering system (calibration standard) and operational method for calibration of fluid flowmeters. The present invention provides reduced uncertainty of delivered volumetric fluid flow rate at meters under test relative to the uncertainty of volumetric fluid flow rate at meters under test provided by prior art bi-directional piston displacement type volumetric fluid flow rate standards given the same nominal cylinder diameters and working fluid and equal dimensional, timing and temperature measurement uncertainties by employing a plurality of metering pistons and cylinders to minimize the connecting volume piping between the metering piston cylinder outlet and meters under test, providing open access to one side of each metering piston to accomplish installation of temperature probes through the pistons into the working fluid and by operational method which minimizes the connecting volume to standard volume ratio.

Abstract: A method of determining the zero clearance pressure in a controlled clearance piston gauge. The typical method includes pressurizing the cylinder in which the piston resides to a given system pressure. The jacket pressure is then changed and the exhaust gas pressure build-up rate at different jacket pressures is measured. The zero clearance pressure to be where the exhaust gas pressure build-up rate is zero.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating measuring system (1) which is based on a camera (4) and is used for determining an object (2) position in a reference three-dimensional co-ordinate system (3), wherein the external and internal parameters of the camera are calibrated in various steps and the camera (4) position (6) is determined with the aid of external measuring means. In order to optimise a calibration process, the inventive method comprises at least three steps consisting in determining the internal parameters of said camera (4) and firmly assigning said parameters thereto, in determining the position (6) of the camera (4) mounted on the measuring system (1) and in determining the orientation (7) of the camera (4) in the reference three-dimensional co-ordinate system (3) by evaluating the images thereof.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method are disclosed. The test apparatus disclosed includes an accelerator assembly and holder assembly that releasably holds a test specimen for acceleration along an acceleration path. Following acceleration along the acceleration path, the test specimen is released from the holder assembly and drops to a landing. The landing can be formed of different materials and at different orientations depending upon the test specifications. Following impact with the landing, the shock robustness of the test specimen is determined to generate shock robustness data. In embodiments disclosed, shock data is used to design shock absorber components for the test specimen or product.

Abstract: A procedure for operating a collecting particle sensor, which is provided with measuring phases, during which particles that are contained in an off-gas stream accumulate on a measuring route, and a device for implementing this procedure are submitted. Protection phases are provided, during which at least one measure for diminishing the accumulation of particles on the measuring route is adopted. The measure according to this invention prevents a decrease of the sensitivity of the particle sensor over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for taking odor samples that comprises a closed circuit, provided with a heating element and a cooling element for initiating and/or maintaining a circulation of gas in said closed circuit, which circulated gas takes along the odor from an odor source to absorbing material which absorbs the odor. This apparatus allows e.g. odor analysis where the odor source cannot be taken to the odor detector, or the odor detector cannot be taken to the odor source. It also allows to collect particles from human tissue samples, which resemble particles that normally come along with human sweat.

Abstract: A system and method for measurement of radioactivity concentration of a radiopharmaceutical are disclosed. The radiopharmaceutical may be a radioactive tracer solution including a tracer solution and a buffer solution. The system may include a vial that receives the tracer solution and the buffer solution; a scale; a radioactivity measuring device; and a controller that determines the radioactive concentration based on a measured radioactivity of the tracer solution and the buffer solution in the vial, and a weight of the tracer solution and the buffer solution in the vial. The method may include the steps of (1) transferring the tracer solution into a vial; (2) measuring a radioactivity of the tracer solution in the vial; (3) determining a weight necessary to achieve a desired radioactivity concentration; and (4) diluting the tracer solution in the vial to the determined weight with a buffer solution.

Abstract: The method for measuring the porosity of an element is performed by means of a measuring device comprising a measuring chamber in which the element is disposed, a solvent tank associated with an adsorption valve, and a pump associated with a desorption valve. The measuring method comprises measurement of the pressure in the chamber by means of a pressure sensor, and a cycle for measuring the porosity by ellipsometry at different predetermined pressure. During this measuring cycle, a pressure controller controls opening of the adsorption and desorption valves according to the measured pressure. The relative pressure in the chamber is successively regulated at different predetermined values, while maintaining a continuous flow of solvent in the chamber between the tank and the pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to test for oil leaks in an engine component after being machined. The method and apparatus include a wash station that washes the engine component after being machined, and a buffer that heats the engine component to a first temperature. An oil leak test station tests the engine component at about the first temperature for oil leaks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a procedure for determining the octanol-water distribution coefficient P of a surface-active substance by means of the following steps: 1. equilibrating a dilute aqueous solution or dispersion of the substance with octanol 2. evaporating an aliquot of the aqueous phase and re-dissolving the residue in water or electrolyte solution 3. measuring of the surface tension of the re-dissolved residue solution 4. determining the concentration of the surface-active substance in the re-dissolved residue solution by means of a surface tension vs. concentration calibration curve 5. using the concentration of the surface-active substance in the re-dissolved residue solution to calculate the equilibrium concentration in the aqueous phase and, from the mass balance, the equilibrium concentration in the octanol phase 6. calculating the octanol-water distribution coefficient from the ratio of concentrations in octanol and water phases.

Abstract: A microfluidic sensor is disclosed that has a first inlet channel for a first fluid, a second inlet channel for a second fluid, and a measurement channel intersecting with both first inlet channel and the second inlet channel. A signal source system is provided for receiving a signal from a signal emitter, as is a signal detection system for receiving the signal from the signal source system. The signal source system and the signal detection system are for recording physical characteristics of at least one of the droplets in the measurement channel. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the occurrence of rotating stall in the turbine blade of a compressor, in which the blade pass frequency of at least one compressor stage and the associated vibration energy are monitored, the normal blade pass frequency being constituted by the operating speed of rotation of the compressor multiplied by the number of turbine blades in the stage, and in which incipient rotating stall in a compressor stage is indicated when, at the normal blade pass frequency of the compressor stage, the vibration energy falls below a predetermined first value at the same time as, at a blade pass frequency above the normal blade pass frequency, the vibration energy rises above a predetermined second value.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel-injection system, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in which fuel stored inside a pressure reservoir is injected by at least one fuel injector. At least one performance quantity of the fuel injector that is a function of the fuel pressure prevailing inside the pressure reservoir is evaluated in order to infer the fuel pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a gear pair evaluation apparatus capable of performing accurate tooth surface analysis based on actual tooth surface measurement information without using information about a reference tooth surface. A processing unit 6 associates three-dimensional coordinate data on a gear tooth surface 102G and three-dimensional coordinate data on a pinion tooth surface 102P with each other at a predetermined meshing rotational position and converts the three-dimensional coordinate data into three-dimensional coordinate data on a cylindrical coordinate system based on the gear 101G. The processing unit 6 generates functions representing points on the pinion tooth surface 102P on the basis of the three-dimensional coordinate data on the pinion tooth surface 102P and calculates the coordinates of points on the pinion tooth surface 102P that correspond to points (grid points) on the gear tooth surface 102G by using the functions.

Abstract: A metering assembly includes a fluidic chip and metering chambers. Selectable outlet valves communicate with each metering chamber to provide a discrete dispensed volume. The valves may be commonly controlled and may be formed as multi-level valves. The valves may be grouped into common substrate valve clusters. Purge channels communicate with the metering chambers and controlled purge valves allow reverse flow wash fluid to wash the metering chamber. Pressure ports are employed to actuate the valves. A method of dispensing a fluid from the fluidic chip includes a) selectively filling (or filling) the metering chambers with a selected fluid; and b) outputting (or selectively outputting) the fluid to output locations. The total output volume of fluid dispensed from each metering chamber may be accumulated. The process may be repeated until the accumulated volume equals the desired volume and may be repeated for another fluid from a plurality of different fluids.

Abstract: A method of measuring the level of a fluid in a tank of an aircraft, the method comprising: moving an ultrasonic transducer to a predetermined measurement position; measuring the level of the fluid by: transmitting ultrasound from the transducer into the fluid via an external surface of a wall of the tank, receiving an ultrasonic echo at the transducer, and deducing the fluid level based on the time of arrival of the ultrasonic echo; and removing the transducer from the measurement position. A fluid tank comprising a bottom wall having an internal surface which is inclined to the horizontal; and an ultrasound guide surface which is located in the interior of the tank and oriented to direct ultrasound substantially vertically.

Abstract: For measuring the filling level of a measuring medium, including detecting multiple medium layers and interfaces between them, a multi-sensor probe can be dipped into the measuring medium and longitudinally segmented into a plurality of segments, each segment comprising a sensor for measuring a predetermined physical parameter of the surrounding medium. To provide an accurate, reliable and robust measurement of multiple medium layers a measurement model is defined for modeling signals of the sensors as a function of positions of a number of interfaces between the medium layers and the physical parameters of the medium layers. Prior distributions of the number of the interfaces, the positions of the interfaces and the physical parameters of the medium layers are defined. Based on the measurement model and the prior distributions a joint posterior distribution of the number of the interfaces and the positions of the interfaces is determined.

Abstract: The detection device for measuring the quantity of hot water remaining inside a storage reservoir and more particularly inside a tank (2) of a water heater (3, 30), comprises a capillary tube (10) containing a heat-carrying fluid which is placed either inside, or outside the tank (2) of the water heater (3, 30) and an indicator device (12) coupled to said capillary tube (10), said indicator device (12) comprising an amplifying device (15) disposed outside said tank (2) and making it possible to transmit under the effect of the expansion of the fluid contained in the capillary tube (10) either a motion to a member (16), or a variation in resistance to an electronic measurement card (24) in such a way as to continuously indicate the quantity of hot water available remaining in the tank (2) of the water heater (3, 30).

Abstract: A gyroscope that lies generally in a plane, for detecting rotation rate about a gyro input axis. The gyroscope has a substrate, and a generally planar outer member flexibly coupled to the substrate such that it is capable of oscillatory motion about a drive axis that is orthogonal to the input axis. There is also a generally planar inner member coplanar with and flexibly coupled to the outer member such that it is capable of rotary oscillatory motion relative to the outer member about an output axis that is orthogonal to the plane of the members. There are one or more drives for directly or indirectly oscillating the outer member about the drive axis, and one or more sensors that detect oscillation of the inner member about the output axis.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a combined accelerometer and gyroscope system. The combined accelerometer and gyroscope system includes a combined accelerometer and gyroscope for maintaining vibration of a mass body at a constant amplitude using an applied drive voltage, and detecting vibration signals in directions of an acceleration axis and an angular velocity axis. An acceleration axis vibration signal obtainment unit obtains the vibration signal in the direction of the acceleration axis. An amplitude maintenance control unit outputs an acceleration axis vibration maintenance control signal using the vibration signal. An acceleration axis driving input unit receives a voltage signal from the amplitude maintenance control unit and applies the voltage signal to the combined accelerometer and gyroscope. An angular velocity axis vibration signal obtainment unit obtains the vibration signal in the direction of the angular velocity axis.

Abstract: The invention discloses a micro-sensor for sensing a chemical substance. The micro-sensor according to the invention includes a substrate, a micro-cantilever, an electrode structure, and a measuring device. The micro-cantilever is formed on the substrate and has a capturing surface for capturing chemical substances. The electrode structure is for supplying an electrical field. The electrical field is disposed so as to assist the capturing surface in capturing chemical substances. The measuring device, coupled to the micro-cantilever, is for measuring a variation on a mechanical property of the micro-cantilever induced by the captured chemical substance and interpreting the variation on the mechanical property of the micro-cantilever into information relative to the chemical substance.

Abstract: A fuel injector testing system and method that make accurate determination of the condition of an injector installed in an engine possible even if the injector is hidden under or behind engine components. A waveguide attached to the injector guides stress waves generated when the injector pintle is opened or closed to a location on the engine that is accessible by a technician. A stress-wave sensor attached to the accessible end of the waveguide measures the stress-wave intensity and plots on a display its magnitude vs. time. A technician testing a fuel injector can read from the display the numerically accurate impact intensities and the precise timing of the injector pintle opening and closing movements. The display can also compute automatically the values of the impact intensities and the length of time that the injector valve was open. This allows the technician to quickly detect a faulty injector.

Abstract: A method for detecting squeaking noises within a sound signal generated during operation of a motor vehicle or during operation of a component thereof is described; in this method the sound signal is detected; an amplitude spectrum of the sound signal representing the amplitude distribution in a frequency range is generated at a minimum of two points in time and the existence of a squeaking noise is detected by analysis of the at least two amplitude spectra.

Abstract: An automated scanning system and method, utilizing specialized dual phased array ultrasonic transducers for producing and detecting Rayleigh waves in ceramic bearing balls are provided for nondestructive, non-contact inspection of ceramic bearing balls. The phased array ultrasonic transducer utilizes a complex curvature configuration that enables the dual phased array ultrasonic transducers to focus ultrasonic energy onto the ball to optimally generate and receive Rayleigh wave signals in the spherical objects.

Abstract: A system comprises a rotary machine, a sensor and a processor. The rotary machine has a component that operates on a fluid. The sensor senses pressure in the fluid. The processor generates a diagnostic indicative of wear on the component, based on process noise on the pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure sensor apparatus which can provide an integrated fluid control apparatus in which a pressure sensor is easily replaced independently, as well as achieving a more compact structure, and a pressure sensor built-in fluid control equipment. A pressure sensor apparatus (21) includes a first passage block (22) in which a predetermined passage (22a) is formed, a second passage block (23) in which a predetermined passage (23a) is formed and which opposes to the first passage block (22) at a predetermined interval, and a pressure sensor (24) which is provided in an opposing surface of any one of the first and second passage blocks (23) and detects a fluid pressure in an inner passage (23b), and is integrated in a pressure regulator (16).

Abstract: A load detecting sensor includes a first member, a second member, and an optical fiber. The first member has a groove having a bottom portion and a column portion which defines the groove. The second member covers the groove of the first member so that a surrounded space is formed. The optical fiber is arranged in the surrounded space. At least one of the first member and the second member is made of an elastic body. The surrounded space is deformable when load is applied to at least one of the first and the second members. When load is applied to at least one of the first and the second members, the deformation of the optical fiber is caused following the deformation of the surrounded space. Hereby, the load detecting sensor, which can decrease the manufacturing cost and increase the detecting sensitivity by the optical fiber, can be obtained.

Abstract: A device and method permits absolute and relative calibration of a pull-test device for testing the mechanical strength of electrical bond deposits. The invention provides repeatable breaking of a test specimen such as a wire (11) indexable through an anvil (17). A test tool (12) is restrained against movement from the pull axis by a low friction support such as a roller (13). A rest (14) defines a start position. The test tool is moved against the test specimen to break the test specimen. A measuring device is provided to measure the force necessary to break the test specimen.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for checking whether when an object has a sufficiently. The object to be examined extends in an object plane. A force exertion device exerts a force on the held object such that the force includes a force component at right angles to the object plane. A fan generates a flow of a fluid which hits a movement area of the object. A holding device holds the object so that the object is held flat in a holding subsurface of the object plane and is movable in a movement area located outside the holding subsurface at right angles to the object plane. A measuring device tests whether the force produced by the force exertion device causes the movement area of the object to be deflected by a distance at right angles to the object plane which is greater than a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A gas flow rate verification unit capable of enhancing reliability of gas flow rate verification. The gas flow rate verification unit has a first cutoff valve that is connected to a flow rate control device and to which gas is inputted, a second cutoff valve for discharging the gas, a communication member for allowing the first cutoff valve and the second cutoff valve to communicate with each other, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the gas supplied between the first cutoff valve and the second cutoff valve, a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the gas supplied between the first cutoff valve and the second cutoff valve, and a control means for verifying the flow of the gas flowing in the flow control device, the verification being performed by using both the result of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the result of the temperatures detected by the temperature detector.

Abstract: A process fluid sensor for sensing a characteristic of a process fluid is provided. The process fluid sensor includes a metallic sensor body that defines a chamber therein. A piezoelectric crystal element is disposed proximate the chamber and is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a mechanical input. The piezoelectric crystal element is mechanically coupleable to the process fluid, but is sealed within the sensor body with the exception of a gaseous pathway. A vortex flowmeter utilizing the process fluid sensor is also provided.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic flowmeter of the time difference type using annular ultrasonic transducers, to obtain an accurate flow volume without correction by actual flow, from theoretical formulas which are taking properties of the fluid such as density, and dimension, and properties of the measuring tube into consideration.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fuel filter performance and transmitting performance information. The performance information may be transmitted wirelessly to a computer or a wireless telephone and then transmitted to a technician. The performance information is preferably transmitted with location information which identifies the location of the filter for which maintenance is required. The information may also be transmitted to a web server which can store the information in a database and also send information via text messaging or telephone voice transmission or other automatic electronic transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.

Abstract: A device is provided for simultaneous determination of forces, comprising an arrangement of parallel springs with integrated piezoresistive resistances in the form of a full Wheatstone bridge. The parallel springs, have, for example, silicon or fused quartz, are arranged in lines, wherein the parallel springs at their ends are permanently connected by silicon or fused quartz spacers. At the free ends of the parallel springs, measurement-technology elements are arranged. The opposite ends of the parallel springs are fastened to a frame.

Abstract: A resistive force sensor with capacitive discrimination is disclosed. According to an example of the disclosure, a sensor is directed to detect resistance and capacitance in an alternating fashion, the resistance indicating a force being applied to an input area of a device, and the capacitance indicating a proximity of a body part to the input area of the device, and the detected resistance and capacitance are utilized to determine whether the body part has pressed the input area of the device.

Abstract: A multi-sample biologic material stimulation and characterization system includes individual flow paths for each sample. Each individual flow path can maintain sterile conditions and may be chemically monitored. The mean flow rate and pulsatile flow rate through each sample may be individually controlled. Pressure at the sample is controlled independently of the flow rate through downstream variable flow restrictors. An axial force may be applied to each sample. A radial force may be applied via hydrostatic pressure of chamber fluid surrounding each sample. A real-time controller manages the system and saves information gathered from the transducers and actuators of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a device for measuring antimicrobial activity. The microbiological device has cylinders or wells for dispensing sample dilutions for antimicrobial activity testing through agar diffusion and internal flanges to facilitate handling. These features decrease the cost and increase the efficiency of measuring antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid sampling device comprising a port insert, a plurality of flexible conduits, and a plurality of sample containers. The port insert comprises a body having a plurality of shafts therethrough and a rotatably displaceable member for individually opening and closing any of said shafts to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. Flexible conduits (e.g., flexible tubing) are equal in number to the shafts, with each flexible conduit connected to or otherwise in fluid communication with an individual shaft. Similarly, sample containers (e.g., flexible bags) are equal in number to the conduits, with each sample container connected to an individual conduit opposite the connection to the shaft. A specific configuration for the port insert, as well as kit containing sterilized components of the fluid sampling device, are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a chamber for receiving an eluted sample of material from a sample acquisition device and a testing device adapted to detect the analyte. At least a part of the apparatus assembly is moveable between a sample preparation orientation and a testing orientation.

Abstract: Connector which provide conduits between a sealed environment and an exterior of the environment includes a housing, a plurality of internal conduits extending from a first side of the housing, each adapted to communicate with a respective sampling device situated in the sealed environment, and a single external conduit extending from a second side of the housing opposite the first side and adapted to communicate with a measurement device exterior of the sealed environment. The housing is constructed to enable each internal conduits to alternatingly align with the external conduit such that each sampling device is able to communicate with the measurement device. By providing a connector which is able to provide a flow passage between multiple sampling devices and a single measurement device, at different times, it is not necessary to enter the sealed environment in order to configure a single sampling device in communication with the measurement device.

Abstract: The present invention provides inexpensive pipettes and related structures offering high precision while minimizing the effects of operator error and chances of cross-contamination. In one embodiment, a pipette comprises a suction apparatus and a hollow body comprising a sample collection chamber, the sample collection chamber open at a first end and closed by a porous barrier material intermediate to or at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the suction apparatus is coupled to the hollow body.

Abstract: In an aspect of this invention, a closure for a well plate is provided which has a reservoir. The closure has openings through which acoustic ejection of fluid droplets can take place without removing the closure. The reservoirs in the closure may help to maintain acceptable levels of solvent in the wells of the well plate despite the evaporation which may occur during the course of ejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for detecting bombs, which are thrown into a trash can. The system comprises: (a) at least one sensing unit for sensing predetermined characteristics of objects thrown into the trash can, and forming an indication signal when a characteristic at a level predefined to be suspected is sensed; and (b) a processing unit for receiving indication signals from said at least one sensing unit, evaluating said signals, and whenever determining emergency, forming an alert signal; characterized in that one of said sensing units is an RF detecting unit for detecting radio transmission from objects thrown into the trash can.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of transmissions in combination with gyroscopically based drive systems. The advantage of which is the ability to modulate the rotor or gyros rotational rate of spin semi autonomously from the precessional rate and effect a greater transfer of power while doing so. In addition the use of a transmission or transmissions helps create a back force in the gyroscopic system which results in a more effective drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low inertia clutch and gear assembly for disposition on a countershaft of a dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The assembly includes a gear which is in constant mesh with a gear secured to the input shaft of the transmission and which is freely rotatably disposed on one of the countershafts or lay shafts. The lower inertia components of the clutch, i.e., the clutch hub and the smaller diameter friction plates are secured to the countershaft whereas the higher inertia components, i.e., the clutch housing, the larger diameter friction plates, the reaction plate, the piston and the return springs, rotate with the gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-speed parallel robot with four degrees of freedom comprising four kinematic chains (1) articulated at one of their ends to a mobile platform (4) carrying the tool (5) and at their other end, through a rotational joint (2), to an actuador integral with a base plate (3). The mobile platform (4) is formed by four members (11), (11?), (12), (12?), linked together by means of articulated linkages (13), at least two of the members being parallel to each other, forming an articulated mobile platform with one degree of freedom in the plane of the mobile platform. The actuators are positioned with any orientation in the base plate (2) and preferably at 45°, 135°, 225° and 315°.

Abstract: To facilitate an integrating operation and to make fabricating cost inexpensive. An idle gear for transmitting rotation of an input gear of a drive motor to a cylindrical gear is rotatably supported by an input side end portion of a specific one crank pin, and therefore, the idle gear may simply be supported by the crank pin, further, a length in an axial direction of the cylindrical gear brought in mesh with both of the idle gear the input gear is sufficiently to a degree of being more or less longer than a distance between remote side ends of the two gears.