Abstract: A gas sensor including a metal shell; a detection element main body held by the metal shell; a porous protection layer coated on a leading end portion of the detection element main body; and a protector including a side wall surrounding an element protruding portion of the detection element main body protruding from a leading end of the metal shell. The side wall has introduction holes formed therein which allow gas to be introduced. The porous protection layer includes a first portion; and a second portion provided on a base end side with respect to the first portion and having a progressively reduced thickness in a direction toward a leading end of the detection element. The second portion is disposed closer to the base end of the detection element than the introduction holes in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic gauging system, which is in the form of a single block having appropriate air passageways bored therein. Compressed air is supplied to the input of the system and its output is connected to an air probe. Parts to be gauged, are placed on a fixture which incorporates the air probe. The proximity of the part, to the nozzle of the air probe, creates a restriction which causes the air speed in the passageway to vary proportionally to the size of the part. A transmitter, at the mid-point of the passageway, generates a sonic or ultrasonic continuous wave, which propagates upstream and downstream through the passageway. A receiver at the inlet will sense the ultrasonic wave which travels at the speed of sound minus the air speed in the passageway and another at the outlet will sense the ultrasonic wave which travels at the speed of sound plus the air speed in the passageway.

Abstract: A leak testing device includes a chamber which is hermetically sealed towards the environment, having a test object filled with a test gas that is positioned in the chamber. In the chamber, a partial-pressure sensor is arranged that selectively responds to the test gas, but not to the filler gas. Thus, a leak test can be simply performed without high vacuum and without mass spectrometers.

Abstract: An additional containment system for a fluid containment vessel includes an outer section, an inner section, and a monitoring system. A plurality of independent and distinct zones of interstitial space are positioned between the outer section and the inner section. The monitoring system is connected to and separately monitors a pressure in each of the zones. A divider plate is attached to both the inner section and the outer section and divides a first zone from a second zone. Upon detecting a leak, the monitoring system provides an indication as to the leak being in the outer section or in the inner section, and upon detecting a leak, the monitoring system also provides an indication as to which of the zones the leak is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a synthetic resin mold package at high yield from which package a pair of the surface of an internal device is exposed. A to-be-exposed part of the surface of the internal device composed of an insulating substrate (2) and thin film electrodes (4, 5) and an insulating protective film (6) formed on the substrate is covered with a coating agent (42), and a die pad portion (8) is bonded to the back surface of the internal device. After placing the thus-obtained structure in a mold consisting of a lower mold (46) and an upper mold (48), a pin (50) is inserted into the mold so that the front end of the pin is pressed against the die pad portion (8), thereby keeping the surface of the coating agent (42) pressed against the inner surface of the upper mold (48). Then, a synthetic resin (52) is injected into the mold and cured therein. The thus-obtained resin sealed body is taken out from the mold, and the coating agent (42) is removed from the resin sealed body.

Abstract: The fouling caused by a refinery feedstock on one or more refinery processes, said process comprising: (i) providing a plurality of refinery feedstocks and/or a plurality of fractions of one or more refinery feedstocks, (ii) providing an array comprising a plurality of metal samples representative of metallurgy present in a refinery, (iii) contacting each of the plurality of metal samples with one or more of said (iv) refinery feedstocks or fractions under non-static conditions, and determining the fouling of said refinery feedstock or fraction thereof. Preferably, the metal samples are in the form of a microfabricated array and the testing is carried out in parallel using high throughput experimentation.

Abstract: A detection unit 4 with detection means 3 and fluid inflow/outflow guide means 2 is connected to a passage 1 for fluid with conductive material or to a pool section 5 for pooling of the fluid. The detection unit 4 guides inflow and outflow of the fluid through the fluid inflow/outflow guide means 2 and detects a concentration of conductive material through the detection means 4. A concentration of conductive material in the fluid is continuously measured with high accuracy.

Abstract: A cartridge for apparatus for analysing a sample comprising a fluid as a flow cell for receiving the sample. The cell is formed from a substantially rigid support surface (102), a sensor comprising an electrical mechanical transducer (92), for example a wafer of quartz crystal and adhesive means, such as double sided adhesive tape (100) attaching the sensor to the support surface. The support surface and sensor are spaced from each other by a membrane, which may form part of the double sides adhesive tape so as to define the flow cell between the support surface and the sensor. The flow cell also has an opening (for example, 111) through which, in use, the sample passes. The sensor, forming part of the flow cell, comes into contact with the sample to enable the sample to be analysed.

Abstract: A method for taking a sample according to the present invention includes the steps of drawing blood B1 into a vacuum blood collection tube Cn and transferring at least part of the blood B1 from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn to a sample storage space 10a of a dropper A1. The vacuum blood collection tube Cn includes a sample storage portion Sr and a stopper St sealing the sample storage portion, and the drawing is performed by stabbing a hollow needle into the stopper St. The dropper A1 includes an internal space 10 at least part of which is the sample storage space 10a for storing a sample and which includes a volume changeable space 10b defined by an elastically deformable portion 12 having flexibility. The dropper further includes an insertion portion 21 including a through-hole 21a connected to the internal space 10, and the transfer of the sample is performed by inserting the insertion portion 21 into a through-hole H1 formed in the stopper by the stabbing of the hollow needle into the stopper.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the softness of a hygienic paper or textile with at least one ply, wherein an element (106) is arranged relative to a positionally fixed sample (P), with at least one ply, of the hygienic paper or textile such that it can move and is designed such that it can be adjusted with respect to the sample (P) with a penetration force (F) acting on the sample (P) being specified, wherein in the region of the oscillations being produced between sample (P) and the element (106), an oscillation sensor (116) is arranged which registers the noises produced during the relative movement of the element (106) acting on the sample (P).

Abstract: Measuring surface profiles of structures on integrated circuits is difficult when feature sizes are less than 100 nanometers. Atomic force microscopy provides surface profile measurement capability on flat horizontal surfaces, but has difficulty with three-dimensional structures such as MOS transistor gates, contact and via holes, interconnect trenches and photoresist patterns. An atomic force microscopy probe with two atomically sharp tips configured to facilitate measurements of three-dimensional structures is disclosed. A method of making such measurements using the disclosed probe and a method of fabricating an IC encompassing the method are also claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for testing gas turbine engines are provided. In this regard, a representative system for testing a gas turbine engine having an inlet includes an inflatable seal having an interior chamber operative to receive pressurized gas such that the seal inflates to engage circumferentially about the exterior of an inlet of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An engine measurement device includes a detector for measuring individual pieces of time series data containing at least a speed and output torque of an engine in a transient state while the engine is being run in combustion by control of an engine control unit, a torque operation unit for calculating the engine torque on the basis of the time series data of the engine speed and the output torque, and a model operation unit for modeling the engine torque as functions of the engine speed and a fuel injection time. This model is used to calculate both a fuel torque generated by the combustion run of the engine and a mechanical loss torque or the difference between the engine torque and the fuel torque.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine torque estimation device that accurately estimates the torque of an internal combustion engine without being affected by engine speed changes. A reference signal, which is output at predetermined rotation angle intervals of a crankshaft for the engine, is acquired. In accordance with the reference signal, the amount of change in the rotation speed of the crankshaft is acquired as a rotational fluctuation. A filtering process is performed on the rotational fluctuation in synchronism with reference signal output timing to extract a frequency component synchronized with a combustion cycle of the engine. The torque of the engine is estimated in accordance with the extracted frequency component.

Abstract: An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor diagnostic module comprises a measured noise module, an expected noise module, an excess noise module, and an IAT fault detection module. The measured noise module measures noise in an IAT signal from an IAT sensor in a vehicle. The expected noise module determines expected noise based upon the IAT signal. The excess noise module determines an excess noise value based upon the measured noise and the expected noise. The IAT fault detection module diagnoses faults in the IAT sensor based upon a comparison of the excess noise value and a first predetermined value.

Abstract: In a method and a control apparatus for monitoring an exhaust gas probe, the exhaust gas probe is arranged in an exhaust gas channel. The exhaust gas channel is connected to an internal combustion engine, with the internal combustion engine being supplied with a rich or lean air/fuel ratio in an oscillating fashion. An amplitude of a signal based on the oscillating output signal of the exhaust gas probe is determined and used to evaluate the exhaust gas probe.

Abstract: A wireless wind-powered anemometer comprising: a wind reacting device; a rotatable shaft in communication with the wind reacting device; an ac generator in communication with the rotatable shaft, and where the ac generator is configured to produce an ac voltage that is generally directly proportional to wind speed detected by the wind reacting devices; a signal conditioning and transmitter circuit in communication with the ac generator; and where the signal conditioning and transmitter circuit is configurable to communicate with a wireless network, and where the signal conditioning and transmitter circuit is supplied with power from the ac generator.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate sensor includes a detection circuit which generates a first signal corresponding to an output voltage of a bridge circuit, and a second signal corresponding to a fluid temperature. A control module can more accurately and quickly determine the fluid flow rate based on the first signal, the second signal and a look-up table. The look-up table includes a plurality of curves plotted according to data, indicating relationship among the fluid temperature, the output voltage and the fluid flow rate. The fluid flow rate sensor is inherently temperature compensated and has a shorter response time.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment is disclosed, including but not limited to an apparatus for estimating a property of a fluid downhole, including but not limited to a piezoelectric flexural mechanical resonator disposed in the fluid downhole; an electrode embedded in the piezoelectric flexural mechanical resonator; and a substantially transparent conductive coating covering the piezoelectric flexural mechanical resonator. A method is disclosed for estimating a property of a fluid downhole, the method including but not limited to embedding an electrode in a piezoelectric flexural mechanical resonator; coating the piezoelectric flexural mechanical resonator with a substantially transparent conductive coating; and disposing a piezoelectric flexural mechanical resonator disposed in the fluid downhole.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a moisture vapor probe comprising a hollow sleeve and a removable electronics module. The probe has a generally cylindrical hollow sleeve having a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface. The sleeve comprises a sensor plate having a moisture vapor sensor and forming a water impermeable barrier with the sidewall. The sleeve has an opening such that a volume is defined by the opening, the sidewall and the sensor plate. The probe further comprises an electronics module removably disposable within the sleeve. The electronics module includes an information transfer unit. The information transfer unit in communication with the moisture vapor sensor and adapted to receive relative humidity information from the moisture vapor sensor.

Abstract: A multi-contact sensor connector for use with an instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing sensors. The sensors have a plurality of electrical contacts. The connector comprises a test sensor support frame, a printed circuit board connector surface, a plurality of contacts, and a contact holder. The support frame forms an opening therethrough to allow a test sensor to pass through. The support frame has an inclined surface region adapted to guide a test sensor into the opening and a generally horizontal surface region adapted to support the test sensor in the opening. The contacts interact with the electrical contacts. The contacts are positioned to secure the test sensor between the contacts and the horizontal surface region. The contacts are compressed by the support frame and are fixed relative to the printed circuit board connector surface. The contact holder is adapted to retain the contacts and to electrically isolate the respective contacts from one another.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the coefficient of rolling friction or speed of a horizontal surface over which a round object is rolled such as a putting green encountered in the game of golf. The method includes a device for launching a ball across the surface at a constant and consistent velocity. An included timing device is triggered to start counting the elapsed time when the ball exits the launching device and continues counting until the ball has decelerated to a stop. At the instant the ball ceases moving the timer is triggered to terminate the count. The time required for a body with a specific velocity to come to rest after experiencing constant deceleration is determined by the laws of motion. The coefficient of friction or “speed” of the green which is proportional to the amount of deceleration may then be calculated. This time measurement is therefore sufficient to determine the speed of the green surface which may be reported as an equivalent “stimp” value.

Abstract: A composite sensor includes an external holding portion 6, an internal holding portion 4 supported within the external holding portion 6 via coupling portion 5, and a vibration-type angular velocity sensor element 1 and an acceleration sensor element 2 disposed within the internal holding portion 4, and is configured so that the internal holding portion 4 is held in such a manner so as to substantially suppress a movement of the acceleration sensor element 2 along a detection direction while to allow a movement of the vibration-type angular velocity sensor element 1 in a direction in which it receives Coriolis force at least by an angular velocity. A reduction of the composite sensor in size can be achieved by this structure.

Abstract: A driving mass of an integrated microelectromechanical structure is moved with a rotary motion about an axis of rotation, and a sensing mass is connected to the driving mass via elastic supporting elements so as to perform a detection movement in the presence of an external stress. The driving mass is anchored to an anchorage arranged along the axis of rotation by elastic anchorage elements. An opening is provided within the driving mass and the sensing mass is arranged within the opening. The elastic supporting and anchorage elements render the sensing mass fixed to the driving mass in the rotary motion, and substantially decoupled from the driving mass in the detection movement. The detection movement is a rotation about an axis lying in a plane. The sensing mass has, in plan view, a non-rectangular shape; in particular, the sensing mass has a radial geometry and, in plan view, the overall shape of a radial annulus sector.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor has a weight mass movable in a detection direction. Auxiliary capacitors are formed at both side ends of the weight mass in a non-detection direction by auxiliary movable electrodes and auxiliary fixed electrodes, respectively. When capacitances of the auxiliary capacitors change due to movement of the weight mass in the non-detection direction, a limiter circuit feedback-controls voltages applied to the auxiliary fixed electrodes to maintain the position of the weight mass unchanged. Thus, the weight mass is limited from moving in the non-detection direction thereby to improve accuracy in detection of the movement in the detection direction.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor having a mass which is movably supported outside its center of gravity, first electrodes on the mass and second electrodes located at a distance therefrom forming a capacitive sensor in order to determine a change in position of the mass as a function of time. At least one spring element which generates a restoring force when the mass is deflected from its neutral position is provided on the side of the mass facing the capacitive sensor. The mass may be obtained by being exposed from a material layer, and the mass is surrounded, at least at its side faces, by this material.

Abstract: A vibration dosimeter (2) adapted to monitor whole-body vibration comprising a sensor (6) arranged to continuously measure magnitude of mechanical vibrations received by a person being monitored, means for sampling the vibration measurements (20) produced by the sensor (6), and a processor (10) configured to analyse the vibration measurements and to record an analysis thereof to a data store internal to the dosimeter (2).

Abstract: A system for applying a controlled stress on a joint in a structure includes means for applying a plurality of thermal bursts in a designated timing sequence and trajectory pattern to produce a combined shock wavefront directed toward the joint. This system can provide increased accuracy in measuring the strength and quality of composite bonds and laminations.

Abstract: A SAW based pressure sensor comprises a base (2a) having an aperture (3) formed therein and a substrate (4) mounted on the base so as to completely overlie the aperture. The substrate (4) is adhered to the base (2a) so as to form a fluid tight seal around the periphery of the aperture (3). A first SAW resonator (5) is mounted on the substrate (4) wholly within the region overlying the aperture (3), whilst two further SAW resonators (6, 7) are mounted on the substrate wholly within a region which is stiffened by adhesion to the underlying base (2a), such that the two further SAW resonators (6, 7) are completely decoupled from the strain field arising in the substrate due to deflections thereof.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided. The pressure sensor includes a sensing element, a case, a line element, an insect entering restriction element. The case has a space for receiving the sensing element. The case includes a pressure introduction passage, which is in communication with the space to introduce a pressure medium into the sensing element. The line element has a first portion electrically connected with the sensing element and a second portion to be electrically connected to an external element. The insect entering restriction element extends across a path on the exterior surface of the case, the path interconnecting between the second portion of the line element and the open end of pressure introduction passage.

Abstract: A method of grading a microfiber cleaning cloth is provided. The method includes determining a basis weight of the microfiber cleaning cloth; assigning the microfiber cleaning cloth a heavy-duty grade if the basis weight is greater than 400 g/m2; assigning the microfiber cleaning cloth a medium-duty grade if the basis weight is between about 300 to 400 g/m2; and assigning the microfiber cleaning cloth a light-duty grade if the basis weight is less than about 300 g/m2.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an alternative method for durability testing of an engine block. The engine block comprises cylinder cavities, which cylinder cavities are separated from each other by intermediate walls, each intermediate wall comprising a bolt hole. The method comprises the step of: removing a test specimen from an area of the intermediate wall of the engine block, such that the test specimen comprises the bolt hole.

Abstract: A Coriolis flow meter comprising a pair of flow tubes (301, 302), a drive system (D) comprising a coil component (L) and a magnet component (M) that are sized and located such that the momentum of the coil component is equal and opposite to the momentum of the magnet component.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measuring device for determining and/or monitoring volume- and/or mass-flow of a measured medium through a pipeline or measuring tube. The wall of the pipeline or measuring tube is provided, in the region of the defined sensor position of the ultrasonic sensor and/or in the region of the sound path of the ultrasonic measuring signals of the at least one ultrasonic sensor, with a deformation or deformations, which is/are embodied and/or arranged in such a manner that the flow velocity of the medium measured in the sound path, or, in the case of plural ultrasonic sensors, the measured and/or the combined flow velocities of the medium in the sound paths correspond/corresponds at least approximately to average flow velocity of the medium averaged over the area of the pipeline or measuring tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring mechanical quantities, in particular for detecting tensile forces, thrust forces and bending deformations, as well as to a method for measuring mechanical quantities and to the use of a device for measuring mechanical quantities.

Abstract: After a sampling needle is moved to a position above a sample container, the sampling needle is moved down so that the tip of the sampling needle penetrates a septum, and is then preferably moved down to a position at which the tip of the sampling needle is not brought into contact with a sample contained in the sample container, and then, the sampling needle is once elevated until the sampling needle is pulled out of the septum, and is then again moved down to penetrate the septum until the tip of the sampling needle is inserted into the sample to suck the sample through a suction port of the sampling needle, and then, the sampling needle is moved to a sample injection port of an analyzer to inject the sample into the analyzer.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to protect an analytical sample from being diluted or otherwise contaminated during the analytical procedure.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample for molecular diagnostic testing and/or histological testing is provided. The container includes a first chamber for receiving a sample holder therein, a second chamber, and a closure for enclosing the container. A transitional barrier, such as a valve, is in fluid communication between the two chambers. The transitional barrier is transitional between a first position in which the first chamber is in fluid isolation from the second chamber, and a second position in which fluid can pass from at least one of the first and second chambers to the other of the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A self-aligning device couples a temperature-controlled enclosure for a device under test to a source of temperature-controlled fluid and provides self-alignment of the temperature-controlled enclosure. The self-aligning device includes a bearing with a curved surface, a ring clamp with a curved surface and a tensioning bolt to control the amount of movement between the bearing and the ring clamp.

Abstract: A system for tracking resource parameters includes a resource having an associated memory tag; a parameter sensing element sensing a parameter of the resource; and a memory tag reader/writer. The system is configured to store information gathered from the parameter sensing element on the memory tag.

Abstract: A measuring device (1) comprises a probe body (4) adapted for connection with a process vessel or conduit, so that a process opening (6) of the probe body communicates with the interior of the process vessel or conduit. A front valve (7) is arranged between the process opening and a washing chamber (5) in the probe body, and a probe piston (3) is arranged displaceably in the probe body between a retracted position, in which the probe piston is located behind the front valve (7), inside the washing chamber (5), and an extended position, in which the probe piston extends through the front valve and communicates with the process opening. A back valve (9) is arranged between the front valve and the washing chamber, and an intermediate chamber (8) is arranged between the front valve and the back valve. In its retracted position, the probe piston is located behind the back valve.

Abstract: A rectilinear-motion actuator includes a motor, a reduction gear mechanism coupled with a motor shaft of the motor, and a rectilinear, reciprocative motion mechanism for converting a rotary motion of a last-stage gear of the reduction gear mechanism to a rectilinear, reciprocative motion. The last-stage gear has a pin provided thereon which is offset from its center of rotation. The rectilinear, reciprocative motion mechanism includes a movable plate having a slit and allowing the pin to move within the slit. The slit is arranged orthogonally to the axis of the motor shaft. The longitudinal center of the slit is located on a line in parallel with the motor shaft axis and passing through the center of the last-stage gear. The axis of reciprocative motion of the movable plate is offset from the line passing through the center of the last-stage gear in a direction away from the motor shaft.

Abstract: A linear guide device (40) as a movement guiding device, comprising a track rail (41) as a track member and a moving block (43) as a moving means slidably installed on the track rail (4) through balls (42 . . . ) installed on the track rail as a large number of rolling elements. The track rail (41), the moving block (43), the balls (42), and the other members forming the linear guide device (40) are formed of a radiolucent material. The radiolucent material desirably adopts a material of 0.18 cm?1 or less in X-ray absorption coefficient. Furthermore, ceramic coating is desirably applied to those areas of the track rail (41) and the moving block (43) receiving a load from the balls (42) which include rolling surfaces for the rolling elements. As a result, the radiolucent type movement guiding device suitably usable without being limited by installation place even under a special environment can be provided by adopting such a structure as stated above.

Abstract: The invention provides a pressure application driving unit of a welding gun that is safe, low in manufacturing cost, and compact as a whole by employing a hollow rotary shaft of the ordinary motor as it is and fixing a screw shaft fixing member to an end face of the rotary shaft, thereby reciprocating a pressure application shaft by the rotation of a screw shaft.

Abstract: A linear dual actuator for a sitting and/or lying furniture comprising an adjustable section, which is adjusted by means of a pivot shaft (4) furnished with an arm (5). The actuator is of the type comprising a housing (8) with an aperture for the pivot shaft (4), and where the arm reaches into the housing after the actuator is mounted on the pivot shaft. The actuator comprises a spindle nut constructed as a power transmitting sliding element (12) mounted on the spindle (14) driven by an electromotor over a transmission. The spindle nut is secured against rotation in the housing, which can be brought into engagement with the arm for pivoting the pivot shaft. For determining the position of the section the actuator comprises a sliding potentiometer (17) arranged parallel to the spindle and where the spindle nut is directly mechanically connected to the sliding potentiometer. By means of the signal from the sliding potentiometer a position determination of the section is achieved.

Abstract: 1. A speed change device for a traveling vehicle comprising: a thrust shaft connected to an engine; a speed change mechanism for changing between a high and a low speed provided to the thrust shaft; a counter shaft for transmitting an output from the speed change mechanism for changing between a high and a low speed; a mechanism for switching between advancing and retracting provided to the counter shaft, the mechanism having a forward-rotation idler gear rotatably supported on the thrust shaft; a speed change shaft for transmitting reverse-rotation power from the counter shaft as forward-rotation power via the forward-rotation idler gear; a driven shaft provided as an extension to the thrust shaft; and a main speed-change mechanism having a driving gear group provided to the speed change shaft and a driven gear group provided to the driven shaft.

Abstract: A speed reduction gearing mechanism is adapted to couple a piston/piston rod of a cylinder of an air compressor to a motor spindle to ensure stability and smoothness of operation of the air compressor. The speed reduction gearing mechanism includes a reduction gear that is of a composite structure composed of an internal metallic portion that ensures mechanical strength and an extern ring-like toothed portion of plastic injection molding enclosing the internal portion. The reduction gear functions to convert the rotation of the motor spindle into reciprocation of the piston/piston rod with increased torque applied to the piston rod and effectively enhanced compression ratio between the piston and the cylinder and, due to the composite enclosing structre of the reduction gear, also to ensure more stable operation of the air compressor with reduced shock/vibration and reduced noise to thereby enhance the performance and efficiency of the air compressor.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control unit includes an actuator that changes a travel range of an automatic transmission; a shift-by-wire control circuit that controls the actuator in order to change the travel range of the automatic transmission to a selected range selected by a driver; an automatic transmission control circuit that controls a shift speed of the automatic transmission by at least a travel range position signal; and a control unit case that encloses the actuator, the shift-by-wire control circuit, and the automatic transmission control circuit, and is fixed by a fixing member to an automatic transmission case, wherein: the actuator is disposed within the control unit case on an automatic transmission case side, and the shift-by-wire control circuit and the automatic transmission control circuit are disposed within the control unit case on a side opposite the automatic transmission case side.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a rotary based hand control that provides hysteresis to an operator. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A jacket unit for a steering shaft is pivotally connected to a vehicle body through a first pivot mechanism and a swing arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle body through a second pivot mechanism. A first free part of the swing arm is pivotally connected to the jacket unit. A first screw rod member is rotatably held by the jacket unit and has a first splined end portion. A nut member is operatively engaged with the first screw rod member and pivotally connected to a second free part of the swing arm. A holding structure is provided for rotatably holding one end of the first screw rod member on the jacket unit. An electric actuator is held by the jacket unit and includes an output shaft that has a second splined end portion. The first splined end portion is operatively engaged with the second splined end portion to achieve a united rotation of the output shaft and the first screw rod member while permitting an axial movement relative to each other.