Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope according to this invention includes a ring-shaped vibrating body 11 having a uniform plane, a leg portion 15 flexibly supporting the ring-shaped vibrating body and having a fixed end, a fixed potential electrode 16, and a plurality of electrodes 13a, 13b, . . . , 13f formed on the plane with a piezoelectric film sandwiched between an upper-layer metallic film and a lower-layer metallic film in a thickness direction thereof. In this case, in a representative example shown in FIG. 1, when one of driving electrodes 13a for exciting a primary vibration of the ring-shaped vibrating body 11 in a vibration mode of cos N? is set as a reference driving electrode, the plurality of remaining electrodes 13b, . . . , 13f are disposed at specific positions.

Abstract: A method for estimating the moment of inertia of a rotating unit of a washing or washing-and-drying machine comprising the steps of: establishing one or more linear parameters; rotating the drum of the rotating unit in such a way as to reach a set of speeds of a pre-set value; once each speed of a pre-set value is reached, detecting the value of the torque provided to the rotating unit; and finally estimating the moment of inertia of the rotating unit through a linear combination of the torques detected and by means of the linear parameters.

Abstract: A wheel rotation speed (RD) is determined from at least two wheels of a vehicle, respectively. A variable variability measure (VAR) is determined for each wheel rotation speed (RD), respectively. The current reliability of the respective wheel rotation speed (RD) is determined as a function of the variability measure (VAR). The current longitudinal vehicle speed is determined either as a function of the wheel rotation speeds (RD) which are currently detected as being reliable, or the current longitudinal vehicle speed is determined as an extrapolation as a function of wheel rotation speeds (RD) which were previously detected as being reliable if all wheel rotation speeds (RD) are currently detected as being unreliable.

Abstract: A MEMS detection structure is provided with: a substrate having a top surface, on which a first fixed-electrode arrangement is set; a sensing mass, extending in a plane and suspended above the substrate and above the first fixed-electrode arrangement at a separation distance; and connection elastic elements that support the sensing mass so that it is free to rotate out of the plane about an axis of rotation, modifying the separation distance, as a function of a quantity to be detected along an axis orthogonal to the plane. The MEMS detection structure also includes: a coupling mass, suspended above the substrate and connected to the sensing mass via the connection elastic elements; and an anchoring arrangement, which anchors the coupling mass to the substrate with a first point of constraint, set at a distance from the axis of rotation and in a position corresponding to the first fixed-electrode arrangement.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for testing a microelectromechanical device provided with a microstructure having a fixed structure and a movable mass, which is capacitively coupled to the fixed structure and mechanically connected thereto so as to be movable between a rest position and at least one position of maximum extension. The method envisages: applying a test voltage between the movable mass and the fixed structure so as to set up an electrostatic force between them and displace the movable mass into the position of maximum extension; keeping the movable mass in the position of maximum extension for a time interval; releasing the movable mass from the position of maximum extension; and detecting a current position of the movable mass.

Abstract: A micromechanical acceleration sensor, including at least one substrate, one or more frames, at least a first frame of which is suspended directly or indirectly on the substrate by at least one spring element, and is deflected with respect to the substrate when at least a first acceleration acts, and at least a first seismic mass which is suspended on the first frame or an additional frame by at least one spring element, and is deflected with respect to this frame when an acceleration acts which is, in particular, different from the first acceleration.

Abstract: A device for detecting helium in ambient atmosphere includes a resonator and a frequency detector. The resonator includes a piezoelectric film layer configured to absorb helium atoms. The frequency detector configured to detect a change in resonant frequency of the resonator when helium is absorbed into the piezoelectric film layer from the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: Devices usable as sensors, as transducers, or as both sensors and transducers include one or more nanotubes or nanowires. In some embodiments, the devices may each include a plurality of sensor/transducer devices carried by a common substrate. The sensor/transducer devices may be individually operable, and may exhibit a plurality of resonant frequencies to enhance the operable frequency bandwidth of the devices. Sensor/transducer devices include one or more elements configured to alter a resonant frequency of a nanotube. Such elements may be selectively and individually actuable. Methods for sensing mechanical displacements and vibrations include monitoring an electrical characteristic of a nanotube. Methods for generating mechanical displacements and vibrations include using an electrical signal to induce mechanical displacements or vibrations in one or more nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for processing ultrasonic response signals collected from a plurality of measurement locations along a weld to determine the presence of a defect in the weld may include filtering an ultrasonic response signal from each of the measurement locations to produce a filtered response signal for each of the measurement locations. Thereafter, an ultrasonic energy for each of the measurement locations is calculated with the corresponding filtered response signal. The ultrasonic energy for each measurement location is then compared to the ultrasonic energy of adjacent measurement locations to identify potential defect locations. When the ultrasonic energy of a measurement location is less than the ultrasonic energy of the adjacent measurement locations, the measurement location is a potential defect location. The presence of a defect in the weld is then determined by analyzing fluctuations in the ultrasonic energy at measurement locations neighboring the potential defect locations.

Abstract: A method for determining the type of a defect in a weld may include determining a defect location and a corresponding defect signal by analyzing ultrasonic response signals collected from a plurality of measurement locations along the weld. The defect signal and the plurality of defect proximity signals corresponding to ultrasonic response signals from measurement locations on each side of the defect location may then be input into a trained artificial neural network. The trained artificial neural network may be operable to identify the type of the defect located at the defect location based on the defect signal and the plurality of defect proximity signals and output the type of the defect located at the defect location. The trained artificial neural network may also be operable to determine a defect severity classification based on the defect signal and the plurality of defect proximity signals and output the severity classification.

Abstract: A self-healing composite material comprising a fibre-reinforced polymeric matrix, wherein the polymeric matrix comprises a thermosetting polymer and a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement waveguide rod which is easy to manufacture and is capable of preventing a noise echo. An ultrasonic flaw detection waveguide rod 2 is arranged with a probe on one axial end thereof and a contact surface to be brought into contact with a test piece on the other end thereof. The cross-sectional shape of the rod 2 perpendicular to the axial direction is a polygon having sides any one (41A) of which is not parallel to any of the other sides 41B, 41C, 41D. Since at least a pair of the sides 41A, 41C opposed to each other are not parallel to each other, an ultrasonic wave P is allowed to reflect off outer surfaces making up the nonparallel sides 41A, 41C, enabling the ultrasonic wave P to be prevented from returning to the probe 3 as a noise echo. For example, the ultrasonic wave component reflected perpendicularly by one outer surface is reflected by the opposite outer surface and travels toward the outer surface having the side 41D. Hence, an echo or a noise hardly returns to the probe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the detection of anomalous or aberrant movement of a reciprocating element in a reciprocating device and, more particularly, to the analysis of one or more components of a vibration signal produced by such anomalous or aberrant movement of the reciprocating element. One embodiment of the invention provides a system for identifying an anomalous movement of a reciprocating element in a reciprocating device, the system comprising: at least one sensing device for sensing a vibration signal of the reciprocating element; a processing apparatus for separating the vibration signal into a first component having a first frequency range and a second component having a second frequency range different than the first frequency range; and an analysis device for analyzing, displaying, or both, at least one of the first and the second components of the vibration signal.

Abstract: A geophone including a plurality of ferromagnetic masses (e.g., magnets) disposed to oscillate on one or more compliant elements (e.g., springs) in a manner that produces a steep flux gradient at one or more conductive coils is disclosed. The magnetic masses are positioned with like poles facing each other so as to compress the magnetic field gradient. The coils may be positioned in the flux gap either between the magnets, in close proximity to the magnets, or surrounding the magnets. Vibration measurements may then be detected from the movement of at least one of the magnetic masses.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a rock drill has a base structure, a displaceable structure movable toward and away from the base and a fluid pumping mechanism carried on one of the structures to be driven by the rotation of the rock drill. The air leg of the rock drill is deemed either operational or in need of repair based on whether attempted extension of the leg is sufficient move the displaceable structure away from the base. A control mechanism in a fluid passage fed by the pump output is closable so that a pressure builds up in the passage under operation of the pump. Successful of unsuccessful buildup of the pressure to a sufficient level reflecting good rotational operation of the drill reflects whether the drill component is to be deemed operational or in need of repair. Quick and simple testing of both the leg and drill components is facilitated.

Abstract: A pressure switch includes a piston accommodated for sliding movement in a chamber formed in the interior of a casing and which communicates with an introduction port, a coil spring for elastically applying a force to one surface of the piston, an adjustment screw which is capable of variably adjusting an elastic force applied to the one surface, a swivel plate engaged with the adjustment screw and on which the coil spring is seated, and a pointer formed from a resin material integrally with the swivel plate for indicating a pressure of air detected by a switch unit. The adjustment screw variably stretches and compresses the coil spring by movement of the swivel plate, while also maintaining the coil spring at a position at which a predetermined elastic force is obtained. The swivel plate is colored together with the pointer in a high saturation color.

Abstract: Ultra-miniature surface-mountable Fabry-Perot pressure sensor is constructed on an optical fiber which utilizes a 45° angled fiber tip covered with a reflective layer which steers the optical axis of the fiber by 90°. The Fabry-Perot cavity is formed on the sidewall of the fiber and a polymer-metal composite diaphragm is formed on the top of the Fabry-Perot cavity to operate as a pressure transducer. The sensor exhibits a sufficient linearity over the broad pressure range with a high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the sensor may be tuned by controlling the thickness of the diaphragm. The sensor may be used in a wide range of applications, including reliable in vivo low invasive pressure measurements of biological fluids, single sensor systems, as well as integral spatial-division-multiplexing sensor networks. Methods of batch production of uniform device-to-device Fabry-Perot pressure sensors of co-axial and cross-axial configurations are presented.

Abstract: Pressure non-linearity in a low pressure sensor device formed from a silicon diaphragm with an embedded piezoresistive transducer is reduced by using a shallow boss or thin stiffener on an ultra-thin diaphragm while the pressure sensitivity of the device is increased with corner trenches.

Abstract: A thin film ceramic thermocouple (10) having two ceramic thermocouple (12, 14) that are in contact with each other in at least on point to form a junction, and wherein each element was prepared in a different oxygen/nitrogen/argon plasma. Since each element is prepared under different plasma conditions, they have different electrical conductivity and different charge carrier concentration. The thin film thermocouple (10) can be transparent. A versatile ceramic sensor system having an RTD heat flux sensor can be combined with a thermocouple and a strain sensor to yield a multifunctional ceramic sensor array. The transparent ceramic temperature sensor that could ultimately be used for calibration of optical sensors.

Abstract: Improved microwire strain sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) and corresponding methods are provided, which permit accurate, wireless strain monitoring of a variety of structures, including composite structures, through use of a remote detector (28). The sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) have amorphous or nanocrystalline metallic alloy microwire cores (22, 48), which exhibit substantially reduced remagnetization responses when the sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) are coupled with a structure to be strain-monitored, and the structures are in an unstrained condition. When the monitored structure experiences a strain above a pre-selected threshold value, the microwire cores (22, 48) exhibit substantially different remagnetization responses as an indication that the monitored structure has experienced a strain above a strain threshold or over a range of strain.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe includes an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers. The apparatus includes a flow element having a completely smooth bore through which the fluid flows, and a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it and which is in communication with the fluid flowing through the bore. An apparatus for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe includes an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers. The apparatus includes a flow element having a bore with an internal diameter and a surface through which fluid flows, a plurality of cavities each of which has an opening in the surface. Each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it.

Abstract: A dual pick-off vibratory flowmeter (100) is provided according to the invention. The dual pick-off vibratory flowmeter (100) includes a first flowtube (102A) and a second flowtube (102B), with the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) configured to be vibrated substantially in opposition. The vibratory flowmeter (100) further includes a first pick-off sensor (108) including first and second pick-off portions (108A, 108B) affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the first pick-off sensor (108) being located at a first longitudinal location X along the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B). The vibratory flowmeter (100) further includes a second pick-off sensor (109) including first and second pick-off portions (109A, 109B) affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the second pick-off sensor (109) being located substantially at the first longitudinal location X and substantially spaced-apart from the first pick-off sensor (108).

Abstract: An apparatus for ascertaining, and/or monitoring, volume- or mass-flow of a medium flowing through a pipeline in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The apparatus includes: at least one ultrasonic sensor, which radiates/receives ultrasonic measuring signals at an angle of incidence/emergence into/out-of the pipeline; and a control/evaluation unit which provides, based on the ultrasonic measuring signals, information concerning volume- and/or mass-flow of the medium through the pipeline. The ultrasonic sensor includes at least one sound-producing element, a coupling shoe and a coupling adapter. The end region of the coupling adapter facing the coupling shoe has a securement mechanism for releasable securement of the coupling adapter to the coupling shoe. The end region of the coupling adapter facing the pipeline is embodied as a function of the pipeline in such a manner that it is form-fittingly securable to the pipeline.

Abstract: A measuring transducer comprising at least one measuring tube for conveying a flowing medium. The measuring tube vibrates at least at times during operation. A sensor arrangement, which serves to register oscillations of the at least one measuring tube. The measuring tube extends with an oscillatory length between an inlet-side, first measuring tube end, and an outlet-side, second measuring tube end, and, during operation, oscillates about an oscillation axis, which is parallel to or coincides with an imagined connecting axis which imaginarily connects the two measuring tube ends.

Abstract: A very low frequency vibratory flow meter (100) is provided. The very low frequency vibratory flow meter (100) includes a flow meter assembly (10) including one or more flow conduits (103A, 103B). The flow meter assembly (10) is configured to generate a very low frequency vibrational response that is below a predetermined minimum decoupling frequency for the flow fluid independent of a foreign material size or a foreign material composition. The very low frequency vibratory flow meter (100) further includes meter electronics (20) coupled to the flow meter assembly (10) and configured to receive the very low frequency vibrational response and generate one or more flow measurements therefrom.

Abstract: A vibratory flow meter (5) for determining one or more flow fluid characteristics of a multi-phase flow fluid includes one or more flow conduits (103A,103B). The flow meter assembly (10) is configured to generate a very low frequency response that is below a predetermined minimum decoupling frequency for the flow fluid and to generate a very high frequency response that is above a predetermined maximum decoupling frequency for the flow fluid, independent of the foreign material size or the foreign material composition. The meter (100) further includes meter electronics (20) configured to receive one or more very low frequency vibrational responses and one or more very high frequency vibrational responses and determine the one or more flow fluid characteristics from the one or more very low frequency vibrational responses and the one or more very high frequency vibrational responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a one- or multipart torsion element of a torque sensor with at least one magnetic encoding by applying at least one current pulse to the torsion element. It is provided that the variation of the current pulse over time is formed. Moreover, the present invention relates to a device for providing a one- or multipart torsion element of a torque sensor with at least one magnetic encoding.

Abstract: A side impact detection system includes a two-stage load transmitting structure that transmits to a floor tunnel, in which a side impact-detecting G sensor is provided, load caused by a side impact at a predetermined impact speed Vp in two stages having a predetermined time lag in such a manner that the load transmitted or the rate of change in the load differs between the first-stage load transmission and the second-stage load transmission.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a test assembly comprising a prime mover, an actuator assembly and a torque transfer coupling. The actuator assembly has an end configured to be attached to a shaft of a portion of a test specimen such as a wind turbine assembly. The actuator assembly has a shaft supported for rotation by hydraulic bearings. The torque transfer coupling connects the primer mover to the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A methodology for selecting and properly placing foil strain gages on a transducer in a Wheatstone bridge, which provides a more consistent creep response, especially when the transducer temperature is changed. A transducer includes a counterforce subjected to a predetermined physical load that provides tension and compression strains (positive and negative, respectively). The transducer also includes a plurality of strain gage grids that are operatively attached to the counterforce in the tension and compression strain areas of the counterforce and generate electrical signals. The plurality of strain gages are electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit where their electrical signals due to creep are cancelled.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first electrode and a second, compressible electrode. A dielectric layer separates the first electrode from the second electrode. At least one of the first and second electrodes compress responsive to force, increasing capacitance between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high sensitivity elastic deflection sensors, more particularly related to capacitively coupled FET based elastic deflection sensors. A sub-threshold elastic deflection FET sensor for sensing pressure/force comprises an elastic member forming a moving gate of the sensor, fixed dielectric on substrate of the FET, and a fluid dielectric between the elastic member and the fixed dielectric, wherein alteration in the height of the fluid dielectric (TSENS) due to pressure/force on the elastic member varies the sensor gate capacitance.

Abstract: A sample divider for granular material comprises a peripheral wall section and a centrally located sample spreading member which here is in the form of an upwardly facing cone. A first plurality of holes is distributed evenly around the peripheral wall and together serves as an outlet of a first discharge stage. A second plurality of holes is located in and evenly distributed around an inner wall section and together serves as an outlet of a second discharge stage. Each chute from a plurality of such chutes is associated with its own one of the plurality of holes and is angled to direct incident sample towards the associated hole.

Abstract: A blood transfer assembly comprises of a standard Luer lock style syringe that has a needle and a protective cap in place. The assembly further comprises a blood transfer guide housing that contains a first optional set of barbs that holds the cylindrical end of the syringe. A second set of barbs rigidly hold the needle and prevent the needle being withdrawn from the guide. As the syringe is inserted into the guide the protective cap will pass through the first and second set of barbs until the syringe and the guide come in mechanical contact with each other forming a single assembly.

Abstract: A liquid droplet introducing tank 3A includes a tank body 31, which is formed by mutually opposing top surface 31a and bottom surface 31b, and a side surface 31c. The tank also includes an injection hole 32 that is opened in the top surface 31a. Liquid droplets Dr are injected from the injection hole 32. The center of the injection hole 32 is closer to the side surface 31c than the center of the top surface 31a. The liquid droplet introducing tank 3A enables liquid droplets to be suitably injected therein and is suitable for reducing size.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for constructing a flywheel for energy storage, the flywheel having a drive transfer element (60) and a rim comprising a mass element (10), the drive transfer element being coupled to the rim by a winding (80) around each.

Abstract: A portable apparatus, having a slide mechanism by which an upper casing can be made to slide with respect to a lower casing, comprises: an assist mechanism, disposed between the upper casing and the lower casing, and assisting sliding of the upper casing.

Abstract: Double-clutch transmission (DCT) includes, but is not limited to two input shafts that are connected to two clutch discs respectively. The DCT further includes, but is not limited to gearwheels on layshafts and the input shafts. The gearwheels include, but are not limited to six gearwheel groups for providing six gears respectively. Each of the gearwheel groups include, but are not limited to a fixed gearwheel on one of the input shafts, meshing with an idler gearwheel on one of the layshafts. A third fixed gearwheel meshes with the third gear idler gearwheel and the fifth gear idler gearwheel. Additionally, the DCT device further includes, but is not limited to a seventh gearwheel group for providing a seventh gear. The seventh gearwheel group includes, but is not limited to a seventh fixed gearwheel, meshing with a seventh gear idler gearwheel. The DCT further includes, but is not limited to a reverse gear idler shaft and one reverse gearwheel on the reverse gear idler shaft for providing a reverse gear.

Abstract: A multistage transmission includes a lost motion mechanism for regulating the operation for a downward shift in acceleration and for an upward shift in deceleration. Regulating rods are integrally moved with a control rod. A cutout into which a pin can be fitted together with a cam groove of the slidingly touched cam rod is formed corresponding to each cam groove in the regulating rods. The cutout of the regulating rods corresponding to the cam groove of the cam rod for normal rotation is formed longer than the corresponding cam groove on the reverse side to a moving direction of the control rod in an upward shift in a state in which shifted speed is established. The cutout of the regulating rods corresponding to the cam groove of the cam rod for reverse rotation is formed longer than the corresponding cam groove on the reverse side to a moving direction.

Abstract: A motor-gearbox assembly includes a housing, a motor, and a gearbox. The housing includes a first alignment mechanism and a second alignment mechanism. The first alignment mechanism is at a first end of the housing and the second alignment mechanism is at a second end of the housing. The motor is mechanically positioned within the housing in accordance with the first alignment mechanism. The gearbox is mechanically positioned within the housing in accordance with the second alignment mechanisms to mechanically couple to the motor.

Abstract: A chain type transmission assembly doesn't have the problem that the chain interferes with the transmission assembly, the thickness of the links of the chain of the transmission assembly is precisely calculated by an equation, so that the chain can be prevented from interfering with the outer surface of the screw, thus substantially improving the efficiency and service life of the transmission assembly.

Abstract: A motion transmission apparatus with a chain, wherein the chain comprises a plurality of spacers and two links two links at both sides of the respective spacers for connecting spacers together. The spacers are equidistantly spaced from one another by a receiving space which is longitudinally asymmetrical and provided for holding rolling elements.

Abstract: A speed reduction device for a power seat includes a worm gear, a helical gear, a casing including a casing body and a casing cover, and a motor fixation device. The motor fixation device includes a first fitting portion provided at a housing, a first engagement portion formed at the first fitting portion, a second fitting portion formed at the casing body and to which the first fitting portion is fitted, a second engagement portion formed at the second fitting portion and arranged to overlap the first engagement portion in a direction perpendicular to the output shaft of the motor in a case where the first fitting portion is fitted to the second fitting portion, and an engagement projection formed at the casing cover and engaging with the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion in a case where the casing cover is tightened to the casing body.

Abstract: A lifter assembly for actuating a needle of an automatic medication delivery device, includes a motor, a speed reduction device driven by the motor, an output shaft driven by the speed reduction device via a rigid transmission device, a driving lever configured to move the needle, the driving lever being connected to and driven by the output shaft, and a sensing device configured to sense the rotation position of the output shaft. The speed reduction device comprises a worm in mesh with a worm gear. The output shaft, the worm gear and the rigid transmission device cooperatively constitute a four-bar linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A one touch combination structure of a knob for an automatic transmission may include the knob which is provided with an operation button, an insert which is interposed inside the knob, a lever pipe which is housed in the insert and a lower end portion of which is hingedly supported to regulate shift speeds, and an operation rod which is slidably inserted into the lever pipe and elastically supported therein so as to vertically move according to an operation of the operation button, wherein a first fitting protrusion and a second fitting protrusion having different width and length are provided at an inner circumference of the insert, and a first cut groove and a second cut groove respectively responding to the first fitting protrusion and the second fitting protrusion are formed at an upper end portion of the lever pipe.

Abstract: A shift operation device that has a simple structure and is provided with a lever knob that can absorb impact load that acts on the lever shaft in the axial direction. A core 11 is provided on the inside of the lever knob, and formed on the core 11 are screw cramps 11b, comprising cylindrical bosses, inside which are inserted screws that fix the core 11 to the lever shaft. V-shaped cut-out grooves 110 formed in the height direction of the cylindrical bosses are provided on the cylindrical parts 11b1 of the screw cramps 11b to reduce the thickness of the cylindrical parts 11b1, providing weak sites with response to the load that acts on the lever shaft in the axial direction.

Abstract: In a parking position lock shifting device of a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine, particularly a parking lock shifting device with at least one hydraulic shifting unit, the shifting unit is designed so as to be operable by a drive unit that is operable separately from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for a double clutch transmission is provided with a pre-select function that selects any one of a plurality of shift stages of the double clutch transmission and then selects a shift stage in another shift line and an interlock prevention function that prevents shift stages in one shift line from being selected, and allows for quick shift.

Abstract: A shifting apparatus for a double clutch transmission may include a plurality of odd-numbered stage driven-shift elements, a plurality of even-numbered stage driven-shift elements, odd-numbered stage driving-shift elements that are provided to selectively move straight any one of the odd-numbered stage driven-shift elements, even-numbered stage driving-shift elements provided to selectively move straight any one of the even-numbered stage driven-shift elements, an odd-numbered stage selecting actuator that supplies the straight motion path to the odd-numbered stage driving-shift elements, an odd-numbered stage shifting actuator that supplies the rotary motion path to the odd-numbered stage driving-shift elements, an even-numbered stage selecting actuator that supplies the straight motion path to the even-numbered stage driving-shift elements, and an even-numbered stage shifting actuator that supplies the rotary motion path to the even-numbered stage driving-shift elements.

Abstract: A clamp replacing apparatus includes a robot arm, a clamp and a connecting assembly configured for detachably connecting the clamp to the robot arm. The connecting assembly includes a first rotator and a second rotator. The first rotator is fixed to the robot arm and comprises a number of first locking portions each defining a receiving groove. The second rotator is fixed to the clamp and comprises a number of second locking portions corresponding to the first locking portions and each defining a bolt portion. The bolt portion can be received in the corresponding receiving groove or escaped from the receiving groove.