Abstract: A technique includes measuring a first pressure of well fluid in a first region. The well fluid is produced from a formation into the first region. A second pressure of well fluid is measured in a second region. The second region is isolated from the first region, and the well fluid in the second region is in communication with the formation. characteristics (skin, horizontal permeability or vertical permeability, as examples) of the formation is determined from the first and second measured pressures.

Abstract: A method of producing gas from an underground formation, which is penetrated by a production well to surface, the method including allowing formation fluid comprising gas and liquid to flow into the production well at a production interval; allowing the formation fluid to separate into a gaseous component and a liquid component; producing the gaseous component through the production well to the surface; accumulating the liquid component in the production well so as to form a liquid column having, at a drainage interval of the production well, a pressure exceeding the pressure in the surrounding formation; and allowing liquid from the liquid column at the drainage interval to drain away into the surrounding formation, comprising treating the wall of the production well at the drainage interval and/or treating the formation surrounding the drainage interval so as to increase the flow rate of liquid into the surrounding formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating subterranean zones penetrated by well bores wherein the static temperatures of the zones are as high as 400° F. and greater. The aqueous treating fluids are basically comprised of an aqueous liquid containing one or more inorganic monovalent salts, multivalent salts or both in an amount no greater than about 5% by weight of said aqueous liquid and one or more synthetic hectorite clay gelling and thixotropy imparting agents selected from the group of a synthetic hectorite clay having the composition by weight on a dry basis of 59.5% SiO2, 27.5% MgO, 0.8% Li2O and 2.8% Na2O, a synthetic hectorite clay having the composition by weight on a dry basis of 54.5% SiO2, 26.0% MgO, 0.8% Li2O, 5.6% Na2O and 4.1% P2O5 and a synthetic hectorite clay having the composition by weight on a dry basis of 54.5% SiO2, 26.0% MgO, 0.8% LiO2, 5.6% Na2O, 4.1% P2O5 and also containing inorganic polyphosphate peptizers.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture produced from the formation may have a relatively high hydrogen partial pressure, and a large portion of the pressure within the formation may be attributable to hydrogen partial pressure.

Abstract: A safety system controls the activation of one or more downhole tools by providing selective transmission of an activation signal or an energy stream. In a preferred embodiment, transmission of the activation signal or the energy stream is allowed after the tool has passed below a known pre-determined depth. A preferred safety system includes a first device in fixed relationship with the downhole tool and a second device fixed at the stationary location. The first device permits, after reaching the pre-determined depth, either (a) an initiation signal to reach an initiation device associated with a downhole tool upon or (b) the energy stream to reach a downhole tool. The second device positively engages the first device to provide an indication that the specified depth has been reached.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tubular goods and tubular good liners which decrease or eliminate friction and mechanical wear and decrease or eliminate chemical corrosion to the walls of the tubular good. The liners may include a diffusion barrier, an adhesive, and a friction and wear resistant layer.

Abstract: A spring-loaded check valve, mounted between a coiled tubing stripper and a BOP stack seals well bore pressure from the atmosphere when the coiled tubing is removed from the well bore. When no coiled tubing is in use, the check valve is shut against well bore pressure. When coiled tubing is inserted through the stripper and before the coiled tubing enters the BOP stack, the coiled tubing butts against the check valve and opens it, permitting insertion of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: The invention comprises a section of improved tubing with coupled end connectors and an insert containing at least one electrical wire. The insert has an outside diameter that is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the improved tubing. The insert also has projections at each end such that when two inserts are placed end to end, the projections will mate up. The insert has at least one groove cut into its side and running the length of the insert. The groove is for the placement of a wire for transmission of power to the well bore or for the placement of a wire for transmission of data from the well bore. When a plurality of the inventions are placed end to end, the insert projections line up the electrical connectors and correct mating of the insert projections will result in correct mating of the electrical connectors.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a whipstock on the mill or drill body using an anchor extendible to engage an eyelet formed or provided on the whipstock to run in a mill and whipstock in one trip. The anchor is retractable into the body of the drill so that the drill can pass by the whipstock during lateral drilling and out the casing wall without interference. The anchor preferably is extended and retracted by hydraulic force controlled remotely by the operator. The anchor is preferably shaped to match and conform to the outer wall of the drill so that in the closed position, the anchor is contiguous with and does not extend beyond the outer diameter of the drill body. Part of the drill body is preferably removed to allow the anchor to nest within the space provided by the removal of the drill body.

Abstract: A method of installing an internal latch profile in an existing tubular string does not require the use of a packer. In a described embodiment, a method of latch installation includes the step of deforming an interior surface of the tubular string after the tubular string is positioned in a well. In another described embodiment, a method of latch installation includes the step of cutting into the interior surface of the tubular string.

Abstract: A seal assembly (60) for controlling the flow of fluids in an annulus (68) between a continuous tubular (62) and a cased wellbore (64) is disclosed. The seal assembly (60) includes anchor slips (72) and a seal element (78). The seal assembly (60) is actuated by communicating hydraulic fluid to a setting assembly (82) via an operating fluid conduit integral with the tubular (62). Upon actuation, the setting assembly (82) axially shifts a pair of slip ramps (74, 76) which radially expands the anchor slips (72) into gripping engagement with the wellbore (64) and radially expands the seal element (78) into sealing engagement with the wellbore (64).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extinguishing industrial tank fires of flammable/combustible liquid including achieving flame collapse, and subsequent to flame collapse achieving collapse of a remaining “smiley face”.

Abstract: An extension apparatus is disclosed as is a combination of an extension apparatus and a tool. The extension apparatus is an elongated pole having an extended end portion and a near end portion and a trigger located intermediate of the two end portions. The tool, in the form of a hedge trimmer, is attached to the extended end portion or alternatively may be made integral. Other tools may be used either integral with the extension apparatus or detachable and the extension apparatus itself may be extendable. An operator can use the combination to work at a distance, such as tree branch trimming, or close-in, such as cutting logs. This is easily accomplished by having the operator's primary hand at the trigger and the operator's secondary hand either at the near end portion of the pole or at the extended end portion depending upon whether the work is at a distance or nearby.

Abstract: EMI feedthrough filter terminal assembly includes a feedthrough filter capacitor having first and second sets of electrode plates, and a first passageway having a first termination surface conductively coupling the first set of electrode plates. At least one lead wire extends through the first passageway and is conductively attached to a first oxide resistant conductive pad. The first pad is conductively coupled to the first termination surface independently of the lead wire. The terminal assembly may also include a conductive ferrule through which the lead wire passes in non-conductive relation, and an insulator fixed to the ferrule for conductively isolating the lead wire from the ferrule. The ferrule and insulator form a pre-fabricated hermetic terminal pin sub-assembly. The capacitor may include a second passageway having a second termination surface conductively coupling the second set of electrode plates, and a conductive ground lead extending therethrough.

Abstract: An EMI feedthrough filter terminal assembly includes a capacitor having first and second sets of electrode plates, a first passageway having a first termination surface coupling the first set of electrode plates, a second passageway having a second termination surface coupling the second set of electrode plates, and a third termination surface exteriorly coupling the second set of electrode plates. A ferrule is adjacent to the capacitor and includes an oxide resistant biostable conductive pad, i.e., a noble metal pad, on a surface thereof coupled to the third termination surface. A conductive terminal pin extends through the first passageway in conductive relation with the first set of electrode plates. A conductive ground lead extends through the second passageway in conductive relation with the second set of electrode plates. An insulator is fixed to the ferrule for supporting the terminal pin in conductive isolation from the ferrule.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielded vent panel. The panel includes an electrically-conductive media having an outer periphery supported within an opening enclosed by an electrically-conductive frame. The frame includes at least a first member and a mating second member which together define the opening for the media. Each of the frame members has an inside face which confronts the media, and an outside face. At least one of the frame members is formed as having a tooth, ridge, or other projection which depends from the inside face thereof as extending about at least a portion of the opening. With the media interposed between the inside faces of the frame members, such projection may be made to engage an overlapping portion of the media to thereby grip or otherwise positively retain the media between the frame members.

Abstract: An elongated member is formed with a groove extending in a longitudinal direction thereof. A protector body has a harness chamber which accommodates a wire harness therein, and is integrally formed with a retainer which holds a wire-like member. The protector body is detachably attached to the elongated member such that the retainer is accommodated in the groove.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus for a sliding structure includes a wire harness 10 which is extended from a body 5 to a sliding structure, an elastic member 40 for urging the wire harness 10 in a warp absorbing direction, a harness supporting member 501 mounted on the elastic member, on which the wire harness 10 is placed, a curved portion protection member 70 which accommodates a curved portion 12 of the wire harness 10 at an intermediate position in a longitudinal direction thereof, and an unusual sound suppressing portion 511, 512 for preventing unusual sound from being generated when the harness supporting member 501 hits against the curved portion protecting member 70. As the unusual sound suppressing portion, projections 511 and 512 to be in contact with the curved portion protecting member 70 are attached to the harness supporting member 501. Because of the above configuration, even when vibration is applied to an engine or car body, unusual sound will not be generated.

Abstract: A flat harness assembling apparatus and method are provided for covering juxtaposed electric wires with a sheet having a pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface thereof. A covering device for assembling the sheet around the plurality of juxtaposed wires includes a central plate on which a central portion of the sheet is mounted, a first side plate connected through a hinge portion to a side edge of the central plate in a foldable manner, and a second side plate connected through a hinge portion to an opposite side edge of the central plate in a foldable manner. The covering device also includes an engagement device having an engagement plate for holding a sheet mounted on the central plate and the first and second side plates.

Abstract: The shield processing structure for a flat shielded cable includes: a flat shielded cable including two shielded cores, a drain wire, an aluminum foil shield member for covering the two shielded cores and the drain wire, and an insulating outer jacket for covering the aluminum foil shield member; and resin members for clamping the flat shielded cable with joining surfaces. The flat shielded cable is clamped between the pair of resin members, and a grounding wire is interposed between the flat shielded cable and the resin member. In this state, ultrasonic vibration are applied across the pair of resin members, whereby at least insulating outer jackets are melted and scattered, and a conductor of the grounding wire, on the one hand, and the grounding wire-use contact portion of aluminum foil shield member and the drain wire are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: A conductor obtained by connecting a plurality of superconductors by normal conductivity or a conductor comprised of superconductors and normal conductors, said low resistance conductor using superconductors characterized in that an apparent specific resistance of said conductor at below a superconducting transition temperature of said superconductors is lower than the specific resistance of copper at that superconducting transition temperature.

Abstract: A guard ring for protecting against electrostatic discharge (ESD) that has electrically isolated lightening bars is disclosed. The guard ring has a substrate, a first ring, and a second ring. The first ring is on the substrate and has a number of electrically connected lightening bars. The second ring is also on the substrate and concentric to the first ring, but has a number of lightening bars that are electrically isolated from one another. The first ring may be the outer ring and the second ring may be the inner ring, or vice-versa. The guard ring has an ESD breakdown voltage that does not change, even after the first ring or the second ring has protected against ESD. The guard ring may protect a semiconductor component like a semiconductor photomask or a semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method (10) for correcting lithography error includes generating (18) data that defines relationships between at least one predetermined design layout parameter and a known minimum required lithographic process capability (e.g. minimum feature spacing), and then using the data to upsize (30) predetermined isolated features or portions of predetermined isolated or semi-isolated features. In some embodiments, the resulting wafer circuit pattern (70) has isolated features (71, 72, 74) that are all larger than a predetermined minimum width. The upsized features are larger in the wafer circuit pattern (70) than they are drawn in a designed database. The method for correcting the lithography error, in some embodiments, is stored on a computer readable storage medium.

Abstract: A method for forming a conductive layer pattern by selectively depositing droplets containing conductive material onto a porous receiving layer. Much of the conductive material is left on the surface for forming wiring patterns but some of it permeates the pockets or voids in the receiving layer and can be used, for example, to provide interlayer connections in laminated wiring boards. Preferably, the conductive material is provided by fine conductive particles, organometallic compounds or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A wiring board includes a first conductor formation substrate having a first substrate and a first electrode; a second conductor formation substrate having a second substrate and a second electrode; and a dielectric sandwiched between the first conductor formation substrate and the second conductor formation substrate. The dielectric includes a dielectric film that is not rendered molten during thermo-compression bonding, and an adherent insulator rendered molten during thermo-compression bonding. The surface of the dielectric film is subjected to a treatment to improve wettability. Adherence of the adherent insulator rendered molten in thermo-compression bonding to the dielectric film is facilitated. The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode can be set constant by interposing the dielectric film between the first and second electrodes. Accordingly, a wiring board ensured in lifetime and improved in reliability, and a fabrication method of such a wiring board can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printed wiring board which has high insulation resistance between wirings and is unlikely to cause failures such as leakages or short circuits, attributable to ion migration even in high temperatures and highly humid environments. The printed wiring board has a circuit comprising a metal conductor on base metal layers created by forming an insulating resin layer 4 on at least one face of an insulating substrate 1 and forming the base metal layers 2 and 5 on the insulating resin layer. In the printed wiring board, at least a part of an upper face of the insulating resin layer existing in spaces 11 between the metal conductors is formed at a position lower than the interface between the base metal layer 5 and the insulating resin layer 4.

Abstract: An interconnect structure of a semiconductor device designed for reduced intralevel and interlevel capacitance, and includes a lower metal layer and an upper metal layer and an insulating layer interposed between metal layers. Each of the lower metal layer and upper metal layer include a plurality of conductive lines spaced apart and extending within a low-k dielectric material. A plurality of metal-filled vias interconnects the conductive lines of the lower metal layer to the conductive lines of the upper metal layer. The insulating layer comprises also comprises a low-k dielectric material disposed between the adjacent metal-filled vias. Openings, having been etched in the low-k dielectric material between the conductive lines of the upper and lower metal layers, and the metal-filled vias, an ultra-low k material is deposited within the openings. The integration of the ultra-low k and low-d dielectric materials reduces the overall capacitance of the structure to enhance performance.

Abstract: An audio amplifier output stage layout technique achieves minimum cross coupling between audio amplifier channels. Regarding TDAA output stages, the typical TDAA includes two demodulation inductors per audio channel. The two pair of demodulation inductors associated with the TDAA are arranged to form an X-pattern to simultaneously minimize cross coupling between audio amplifier channels and reduce PCB layout size.

Abstract: Device mounting cutouts in PCBs often alter desired characteristic trace impedances by disrupting the continuous low-impedance electrical connection between two or more ground planes that contribute to the control of the trace impedances. Maintaining control of the trace impedances is particularly important in PCBs containing RF devices. Plating one or more inner walls of an RF device mounting cutout with a conductive material in areas proximate to an RF trace enhances RF trace impedance control by establishing a low-impedance electrical connection between the ground planes at the cutout edges. In areas where RF traces contact the conductive plating, notches physically isolating the RF traces from the conductive plating also provide electrical isolation.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a contactless apparatus for power and data transfer over a gap between rotating and non-rotating members of downhole oilfield tools. The gap usually contains a fluid, such as drilling fluid, or oil for operating hydraulic devices in the downhole tool. The downhole tool in one embodiment is a drilling assembly wherein a drive shaft is rotated by a downhole motor to rotate the drill bit attached to the bottom end of the drive shaft. A substantially non-rotating sleeve around the drive shaft includes at least one electrically-operated device. An electric power and data transfer device transfers electric power and data between the rotating and non-rotating members. An electronic control circuit associated with the rotating member controls the transfer of power and data from the rotating member to the non-rotating member.

Abstract: A guide assembly (1) for a core drill bit (2), which is at least partially guided at an inner wall (3) of the core drill bit (2) and projects radially with projections (10) between the plurality of cutting inserts (5) arranged on a frontal surface of the drill tube (4) of the core drill bit (2), wherein a centering means (6) projects at least axially, in part, beyond the cutting inserts (5), whereby the centering means (6) is shorter than the axial length (L) of the drill tube (4), and is axially spring-biased inside the guide assembly (1) and has limited axial displacement.

Abstract: An occupant weight detecting apparatus for detecting an occupant weight on a seat includes a load sensor mounted on the seat to detect a load on the seat and output a load signal. A detected load value is calculated periodically based on the load signal and an average is calculated based on the detected load values calculated during a period in which the detected load value is less than a first predetermined. The average of the detected load values is set to a zero point, and the occupant weight is detected based on the detected load value and the zero point when the detected load value exceeds a second predetermined value.

Abstract: A load cell includes a first element, a second element and a sensor measuring force between the first and second elements along a first axis. In some embodiments, lateral and angular decoupling is provided by the provision of a convex surface between the first and second elements. The convex surface is slidable relative to at least one of the first and second elements in a first direction perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A capacitive touch screen is described with a touch area including a substantially transparent conductive polymer. The capacitive touch screen also includes circuitry connecting the conductive polymer of the touch area to a power source, where the circuitry is configured to determine a location of a capacitive coupling on the touch area.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus of the invention is available for an economical vehicle having a belt type stepless transmission. The axle driving apparatus comprises a pair of axles connected to respective drive wheels, a propelling transmission mechanism, and a steering transmission mechanism. The propelling transmission mechanism is drivingly connected to said prime mover through said belt type stepless transmission so as to transmit speed-variable output rotation of said belt type stepless transmission to both said axles, thereby rotating said axles together at various speeds in a common direction selected from two opposite directions for forward and backward traveling of said vehicle. The steering transmission mechanism is drivingly connected to said prime mover so as to transmit two oppositely directive output rotations to said respective axles, thereby differentially rotating said axles at various differences of rotational speed between said axles.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with foot-controlled mobility is provided that includes a skeletal frame structure supporting a gasoline engine which utilizes a belt drive system to drive hydraulic motors with one hydraulic motor disposed at each rear wheel. The vehicle includes four wheel and tire assemblies, substantially at each corner with the rear wheels being driven and the front wheels being formed as casters for 360° rotation to provide a zero turning radius vehicle. The user sits upright in a manner wherein the user's legs are supported on pivotal leg support plates to allow the user to sit upright with legs directed down and away from the waist to allow the user to operate a hand-held implement. Both speed control and directional control are provided using pivotally mounted pedals with one pedal controlling each hydraulic motor. Movement of the pedals allows individual motor control to provide drive steering and speed control.

Abstract: An engine unit is supported by a body frame, and a front body portion is covered with a cowling. This cowling is made wider than the body frame to form a space in the vehicle widthwise direction between the body frame and cowling, and an air cleaner unit is accommodated in this space. The air cleaner unit has a plate-like filter, filter support portion, and filter insertion hole. The attaching direction of the plate-like filter is set in its plate surface direction, and the filter insertion hole is formed in a position corresponding to the end face of the plate-like filter when it is attached. The plate-like filter, the filter support portion, and a lid member divide the air cleaner main body into a clean chamber and dirty chamber.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has a frame and front and rear wheels suspended from the frame. The vehicle includes a body structure attached to the frame having at least one ventilation opening. An engine is mounted on the frame to provide a mode of power to at least one of the front and rear wheels. An air box is connected to the frame and supplies intake air to the engine. The air box includes an intake tube connected to and receiving intake air from the at least one ventilation opening. A filter is disposed within the intake tube.

Abstract: A device and a method for traction control for vehicle, the setpoint engine torque being reduced to a pre-control value if one drive wheel exceeds a specified slip threshold, the rate time being increased if the vehicle acceleration or speed exceeds a threshold value, the setpoint engine torque being increased during the rate time as a function of the vehicle acceleration or speed, and regulation of the slipping wheel being initiated after the end of the rate time.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle, for example a bicycle, has a motor, controller and power supply contained within a wheel compartment. A cylindrical stator frame is fixed on the wheel axle, with an inner surface of the stator frame defining a space for housing the power supply and controller circuitry. A plurality of electromagnet stator segments are mounted on an outer surface of the stator frame. A cylindrical rotor frame is coupled to the axle through bearings. An inner surface of the rotor frame supports a plurality of permanent magnets that surround the stator segments to form a radial air gap therebetween. Mounted to the outer surface of the rotor frame by appropriate supporting structure is a vehicle tire.

Abstract: An electric motor driven cycle having front and rear wheels, and a monocoque frame suspended between the front and rear wheels. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An electric motor driven cycle having a rear wheel, an electric motor configured to deliver power to the rear wheel, and a swing arm coupled between the electric motor and the rear wheel. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A motor powered scooter for supporting a standing rider has a front steered wheel, a rear driven wheel, and a platform therebetween that supports a standing rider on the scooter. A shock absorber having first and second relatively moving ends for energy absorbing movement is fastened in fixed relation to the underside of the platform with one of the relatively moving ends disposed to and toward the rear driven wheel. The shock absorber can be protectively encased and held within the main structural tube underlying and supporting the platform. A rear frame for supporting the rear driven wheel is connected at a rotation point to the platform. A linkage has a first connection to the rear frame offset from the rotation point. This linkage connects at a second connection at the relatively moving end of the shock absorber. The rotation of the driving wheel supporting frame relative to the platform causes energy absorbing shock absorber movement.

Abstract: A two-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive switching system for a vehicle wherein a switching mechanism is securely fixed and functions of the switching mechanism can be secured, preventing noise from being made. An outside flange is provided to an electromagnetic coil forming a switching mechanism for switching two wheel drive and four wheel drive. A fitting section having a difference in a level to which the outside flange touches is formed in a casing in which the switching mechanism is installed. A fitting groove is formed on the inside face at an interval equal to or larger than the thickness of the outside flange from the fitting section. A cisclip opposite to the outside flange is inserted into the circular groove and the outside flange is pressed on the fitting section by inserting a circular elastic member between the cisclip and the outside flange.

Abstract: An automobile hood assembly for disposition in overlying relation to a vehicle storage compartment in an automotive vehicle. The hood assembly includes an exterior show surface member, a support frame at a position below the exterior show surface member and at least one extensible tether element operatively connecting the exterior show surface member and the support frame. At least one inflatable air bag cushion is housed intermediate the support frame and the exterior show surface member. Upon introduction of inflation gas the inflatable air bag cushion is inflatable to an expanded profile forcing at least a portion of the exterior show surface member away from the support frame to define an energy absorbing impact surface.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-rollover system including at least one gas generator which discharges a gas flow sideways, to an atmosphere where the vehicle is rolling over under a rollover force of the vehicle, when the gas generator is activated during a vehicle rollover. A predetermined force of the gas flow induces a reactive force applied to the vehicle. The rollover force of the vehicle is directed sideways where the vehicle is rolling over, while the reactive force of the gas flow of the anti-rollover system is directed sideways in an opposite direction. Thus, the reactive force of the gas flow reduces the rollover force and minimizes the risk of a rollover crash or rolling over and serious vehicle occupant's injuries. In a vehicle unstable or rollover situation to avoid a vehicle rolling over, the system also allows the vehicle occupant to activate the gas generator and to stabilize the vehicle almost instantly.

Abstract: A lubricant tank for a lubrication system of a snowmobile engine includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is enlarged relative to the lower portion. A recess is defined on an engine side of the lubricant tank by a lower surface of the upper portion and a lateral surface of the lower portion. The recess accommodates a protruding portion or component of the engine. The tank also comprises a sloping surface that extends between the upper portion and the lower portion inside the tank. Lubricant is returned in the upper portion and transferred to the lower portion through a zigzag flow path.

Abstract: A frame for the drive unit of an industrial truck, particularly a stacker lift truck which, inter alia, serves as a carrier of a lifting device and/or travel drive, characterized by the following features:

Abstract: A transmission control system, such as for a self-propelled, walk-behind lawn mower, is provided for controlling first and second hydrostatic transmissions in which each one of the transmissions has a hydraulic dump actuator and a brake actuator. The transmission control system includes a control lever and a linkage. The linkage is engaged with the control lever, the hydraulic dump actuators, and the brake actuators of the first and second hydrostatic transmissions. The control lever and the linkage have a drive position which place both of the hydraulic dump actuators in a drive mode, a neutral position which place both of the hydraulic dump actuators in a neutral mode, and a brake position which place both of the brake actuators in a brake mode. The transmission control system can have a shift slot pattern which defines the drive, neutral, and brake positions of the control lever.

Abstract: A vehicle control device incorporating an electric power steering is provided, wherein an extraordinary yaw motion acting on a vehicle is detected and is suppressed or moderated, so that the stability of the vehicle in a straight-ahead steering is improved. The causes of the extraordinary yaw motion are one of lateral wind, asymmetrical surface state of the road, lateral slant of the road and the like. A countermeasure against the extraordinary yaw motion is taken by applying a counter (opposite direction) yaw motion on the vehicle or switching over the control mode from a proportional control to a proportional integral control.