Abstract: An offshore hydrocarbon production system includes a vessel (12) with a turret (16), and a fluid swivel (50) on the turret that is connected to risers (41-43) that extend to the sea floor (26), wherein a drilling/workover rig (60) on the vessel can lower tubing (65) toward the sea floor without danger that the tubing will wrap about the risers when the hull weathervanes. The rig is mounted on the turret. Pipes (54) that extend from the rotatable part of the fluid swivel to fittings (55) on the hull (14), are supported on a gantry (80) that is fixed to the hull and having a gantry middle portion (106) that extends over the turret. The gantry middle portion extends higher than the top (88) of the rig.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods used in the production of petroleum. The apparatus and methods maintain an amount of oil on oil well casing perforations for improved petroleum production. The apparatus for the production of petroleum includes: a pump intake tube having an opening, an oil anchor generally encircling the pump intake tube, the oil anchor having an open base and vent holes in the oil anchor above the opening of the pump intake tube, a casing generally encircling the oil anchor, and perforations in the casing that are below the opening of the pump intake tube and are above the open base of the oil anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the flow of methane gas from a coal bed methane well. The apparatus may include a well casing extending into the earth to a coal seam aquifer. A conduit may be placed within the well and extend from the coal seam aquifer to the earth's surface. A pump may be connected to pump water from the coal seam aquifer through the conduit to the surface. A baffle may be placed in the gap formed between the interior surface of the well casing and the exterior surface of the conduit to the preferentially permit the flow of gas over the flow of water therethrough. The baffle may mitigate well bore pressure fluctuations, thus reducing the occurrence of pump gas lock and reducing well bore damage.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling the production of oil and gas in a well such that the well operates at the edge of gas coning. Thereto the flow rate and/or pressure of the produced well effluents are controlled by a dynamically controlled choke such that continously a limited amount of gas is entrained in the produced crude oil, whereas full gas coning and breakthrough of gas from the gas cap is prevented. The choke may be controlled by a control system which includes an algorithm that takes wellhead temperatures, pressures and choke position as measured variables and which maintains the average bulk velocity of the well effluents at a substantially constant and relatively high level. Optionally, the system also maintains an optimal gas-to-liquid ratio of the well effluents.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the exploitation of desirable geo-productive resources (for example, superheated steam, crude oil, fissuring) from boreholes with an at least partly cemented casing (4), whereby a pressure drop is generated from the rock chamber (5), surrounding the lower borehole chamber (3) to the above, which renders the geo-productive resource exploitable. According to the invention, the resource may be rendered more exploitable, whereby a pressure seal (70, 72, 74, 80) is fitted for a pressure separation between the lower borehole chamber (3) and the flow chamber (1, 14), above the pressure seal (70, 72, 74, 80) within the casing (4), a working pressure (preferably atmospheric pressure) is introduced into at least part of the flow chamber (1, 14) and the working pressure is introduced into the lower borehole chamber (3) and/or into the rock chamber surrounding the above. A vertically-displaceable valve tube (68) is preferably used as lower end section of the production pipe (7).

Abstract: Liquid is lifted from a well by a traction seal fluid displacement device which is moveably positioned within the production tubing, and which maintains a seal during movement. The traction seal device comprises a resilient flexible toroid shaped structure within outside surface which contacts the inner sidewall of the production tubing and an inside surface which contacts itself to establish seals to these contact points as the outside surface rolls in essentially frictionless contact with in the production tubing. The toroid shaped structure is moved within the production chamber by applying a pressure differential across it. The pressure source is preferably natural gas at formation pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and apparatus for forming a tubular-lined wellbore which does not decrease in diameter with increasing depth or length. Methods and apparatus for forming a substantially monobore well while drilling with casing are provided. In one aspect, a portion of a second casing is expanded into a portion of a first casing having a larger inner diameter than the remaining portion of the first casing string. In another aspect, the portion of the second casing is expanded into a portion of the first casing having a compressible member therearound. In another aspect, a lined lateral wellbore may be constructed by forming a lateral wellbore extending from a main wellbore lined with casing. A diameter of at least a portion of the lateral wellbore may be expanded. An expandable tubular element may be run into lateral wellbore and expanded to have an inner diameter equal to or larger than an inner diameter of the main wellbore casing.

Abstract: A single tractor unit is provided for pulling a trailer, in which the tractor itself drives a plurality of hydraulic motors which control a crane unit, a coiled tubing injection unit, and the pumps and motors associated with a liquid nitrogen system which is used for injecting gaseous hydrogen into a workover well with coiled tubing. In an alternative mode, the liquid nitrogen system is replaced with nitrogen generators or tanks of compressed nitrogen gas. In another alternative embodiment, a separate engine, preferably mounted with the other equipment on a trailer, skid, or barge, replaces the single tractor engine for driving the plurality of hydraulic motors. In yet another embodiment, a single engine drives a plurality of well treating systems on an off-shore installation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of creating a seal between two coaxial tubulars so as to create a hanger and a packer. A first tubular is disposed coaxially within a portion of a second, larger tubular. A portion of the first tubular is expanded into frictional contact with the second tubular, thereby creating a liner and a hanger. In one embodiment, a pattern of grooves and profile cuts are formed in the surface of a portion of the first tubular body. The grooves in one aspect define a continuous pattern about the circumference of the tubular body which intersect to form a plurality of substantially identical shapes, such as diamonds. The grooves and profile cuts serve to improve the tensile strength of the tubular body. At the same time, the grooves and profile cuts allow for expansion of the tubular body by use of less radial force.

Abstract: A trim guide used by farriers for the hooves of animals. The trim guide has a shank with a bend. At one end of the shank is positioned an anchor, ideally configured as an “X”. The anchor rests on the flexor tendons. A leveling bar is attached to the opposing end of said shank and forms a “T” with said shank. A leveling bulb is secured near or on the leveling bar allowing proper measurement on the level of the hoof to be easily determined.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a firefighting system able to supply a continuous flow of water to remote locations over great distances with varied terrains and conditions. The system can encompass multiple independent units, or reservoir assemblies each including portable water storage reservoirs with special design connections, conduits such as standard fire hoses, and pumps to induce the water flow as required. Each reservoir assembly unit represents a part of an integral system, a purpose of which is to transport water used in extinguishing fires from a water source where water is plentiful (such as, for example, a river, lake, or well) to the fire site, which can be at a remote location where it is difficult or expensive to supply water using traditional means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making a foundation member in the ground having a soil working implement for loosening soil material in a soil area, a supply device for supplying a liquid to the loosened soil material and a mixing device for mixing the loosened soil material in the soil area with said liquid to form a settable suspension. Such a device has a removal device for removing suspension from a first section of the soil area and a return device for returning at least part of the removed suspension to a second section of the soil area. The invention also relates to a method for making a foundation member in the ground.

Abstract: A method is provided for centering and guiding a large diameter soil processing tool. A sacrificial guide is formed by using a small diameter soil processing tool to form a soil-cement column having a relatively hard outer section and a relatively soft center section. The relatively hard outer section is utilized to guide the large diameter soil processing tool. In one embodiment, the soft central region of the sacrificial guide is left in place and the pilot of the large tool carries an auger that simply drills through the central portion of the sacrificial guide. In a second embodiment, the sacrificial guide is hollow and the large tool need not have an auger at the tip of its pilot. The large tool advances downwardly through the sacrificial guide and, as it advances downwardly, the large tool breaks up the sacrificial guide and the sacrificial guide particles ultimately form a portion of the soil-cement column formed by the large soil processing tool.

Abstract: A lift cylinder arrangement is disclosed for a hydraulic support frame for underground mining. The support frame has a lift cylinder for lifting the base shoes during advancing, which is supported on the one hand on a return rod and on the other hand, in a pivoting manner, with an end supporting head to a drawbar connected to the base shoes. In order to allow a simple, rapid and reliable connection between the supporting head and the drawbar, the supporting head is connected to the drawbar by a plug-type locking system comprising two plug-type locking elements, which include first locking notches on the drawbar, and arranged complementarily thereto second locking notches on the supporting head, whereby the plug-type locking elements engage in at least one of the locking notches with clearance.

Abstract: An aerator is provided having a front axle, including a differential and a tine wheel assembly which may be raised from the ground during maneuvers of the aerator while power continues to be supplied to the front axle, and a tine wheel assembly is provided which allows the operator to repair and change the configuration of the tines of the time wheel assembly.

Abstract: An aerator is provided having a front axle, including a differential and a tine wheel assembly which may be raised from the ground during maneuvers of the aerator while power continues to be supplied to the front axle, and a tine wheel assembly is provided which allows the operator to repair and change the configuration of the tines of the tine wheel assembly.

Abstract: An attachment fixture includes a pair of first link plates including a connection pin for pivotally connecting an attachment to the boom tip of the power shovel; a pair of second link plates located opposed to the first link plates and including a connection pin for pivotally connecting the second link plates to a front link of the power shovel. Upper portions of the first and second link plates are connected to each other by pivot pins. U-shaped slots are formed at lower portions of the first and second link plates for fastening the first and second link plates to pins of the attachment. The U-shaped slots are located back-to-back with each other. A screw rod is mounted on the attachment fixture to open and close the first and second link plates. The screw rod has a hexagonal screw head. A lock plate is fitted over the screw head. A double ring is mounted on the screw head to prevent the screw rod from being loosened.

Abstract: A weeder includes a longitudinal shaft having a predetermined length and a longitudinal bore, a chuck mechanism provided at a lower end portion of the longitudinal shaft for pinching and pulling out weeds in the ground, the chuck mechanism including first and second pinching members for pinching the weeds therebetween, a first remover member combined with the chuck mechanism for forcedly removing the weeds and/or mud from the first pinching member, a second remover member combined with the chuck mechanism for forcedly removing the weeds and/or mud from the second pinching member, an operating lever mechanism provided on an axis of the longitudinal shaft for actuating the first and second pinching members and the first and second remover members, and a towing wire inserted and extending within the longitudinal bore of the longitudinal shaft, and coupling the chuck mechanism and the operating lever mechanism.

Abstract: A double disk C-spring standard assembly utilizes bearings mounted to a simple carrier plate. The plate is connected to the lower end of a single C-spring oriented in the fore-and-aft direction. Bearing assembly mounting holes in the plate define the necessary gang angles. Compact disk blade hub assemblies facilitate side-by-side mounting of the center bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A vibrating drill/driver includes a motor for driving a spindle about the longitudinal axis thereof, a switching handle supported for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof, a clutch mechanism for varying a working torque in dependence on rotation of the switching handle, a switching ring having a recess and capable of rotating together with the switching handle, and a switching plate having a tip for engagement in the recess. A vibrating cam mechanism is provided to be operable to undergo a slidable engagement to provide a vibration for the spindle in an axial direction thereof when the tip of the switching plate is engaged in the recess of the switching ring. With the above-described construction, the rotation of the switching handle in one direction causes the vibrating drill/driver to be set in one of a clutch mode, a vibrating mode, and a drilling mode in this order.

Abstract: A housing structure. The housing structure includes a first case and a second case. The first case includes a first inner wall with an extension plate. The length of the extension plate is h. The second case includes a second inner wall with a rib. A notch is defined between the rib and the second inner wall, and the depth of the notch is h. When the first case is joined with the second case, the extension plate engages the notch.

Abstract: An electronic device and a fastening apparatus in the electronic device. The device includes a main board, a shield and a supporting seat. The shield has a first opening and a second opening. The supporting seat includes a first engaging portion, a second engaging portion and a third engaging portion. The supporting seat connects with the shield by the first and second engaging portion and supports the main board by the third engaging portion. The first engaging portion connects to the first opening to prevent the supporting seat from moving along the X and Z axes and the second engaging portion connects to the second opening to prevent the supporting seat from moving along the Y axis. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A cable closure is provided which adapted to accommodate different size cables and different splices. The closure includes end plates designed to receive various size cables without requiring modification during field use. The end plates are interchangeable with stainless steel and injection molded closure shells. A sealant is provided which allows multiple re-entries into closure shell. Bolts are assembled on the exterior of the closure shell to eliminate potential misalignments between the bolts and closure shell holes. Washers are used within the end plates to seal holes not used for storing cables. A cutter is provided which cuts the washers in one 360° rotation thus eliminating weak points in the washer due to multiple cuts. Alternately a plug is provided for the end plate holes which are adaptable to several size holes to reduce the number of plugs required.

Abstract: A data transmission cable for connection to mobile devices, which has at least two insulated conductors (1, 2) twisted together into a pair. The pair is enclosed by an electric shield (7) over which a jacket (13) made of an insulating material is applied. To preserve the function of the cable even if it is subject to frequently alternating bending and torsional stresses, the two conductors (1, 2) insulated with a solid unfoamed material are twisted together with two first strands (4, 5) made of a foamed insulating material to form a core (S). The core (S) is enclosed by a foil (6) made of a foamed insulating material, and the shield (7) formed around the first foil (6) has at least one metal strip that is made of an electrically well-conducting material and is formed into a closed tubular sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple parallel conductor for use in electrical devices. The conductor maintains a plurality of strands, each of which comprise a conductor and a solderable enamel layer, disposed on at least a portion of the conductor. An insulting varnish layer is also provided, disposed on the solderable enamel layer, so that when the plurality of metal strands are placed into a solder bath, the insulating varnish layer is removed from the conductor.

Abstract: A method for power plane splitting. The method enables the traces on a power plane to be organized so that the conductor area is expanded while still ensuring that components with similar power supply requirements are coupled to the same trace. A potential field of a power plane of a printed circuit board is calculated by assigning one or more potential values to one or more components coupled to the printed circuit board and solving for a plurality of potential field values at a plurality of locations between the one or more components. One or more boundaries between the one or more components are defined by selecting contours of constant potential within the calculated potential field. One or more traces on the power plane are created using the one or more boundaries, wherein the one or more traces connect a corresponding one or more pluralities of components and each plurality of components of the one or more.

Abstract: A set of printed circuit boards consists of a main board with at least one fragment intended for replacement and at least one replacement board, wherein said main board has openings in the dielectric layer placed along the edge line of the fragment intended for replacement, and between the openings there are bridges, and at least one of said bridges has an electric conductor thereon, and the replacement board has electric conductors in places matching the placement of the electric conductors of said bridges of the main board.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board with stacked wires and a printed circuit board made by the method are disclosed. In the printed circuit board, each wire layers being formed by pretreatment, coating or laminating photoimageable resist, exposing, developing, etching wires on a substrate; coating an insulating layer on the circuit board; removing the insulating layer upon the wires so as to expose the wires; and then performing PTH process and plating copper for forming another wires. Thereby, line thickness of the printed circuit board is increased and the wires are stacked continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use as part of the packaging of an integrated circuit. The apparatus includes one or more flex tapes coupled to the integrated circuit. These flex tapes are utilized to deliver power to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: To provide a wired circuit board that can provide enhanced reliability of electrical connection between a metal substrate and a shield layer to achieve significant noise reduction reliably, an insulating base layer 3 is formed on the metal substrate 2 while resin layers 7 are formed on the metal substrate 2 with a predetermined space from away from the both widthwise sides of the insulating base layer 3. Then, a conductor layer 4 is formed in the form of a predetermined wired circuit pattern on the insulating base layer 3. Thereafter, an insulating cover layer 5 is formed on the insulating base layer 3 in such a manner as to cover the conductor layer 4. Then, a shield layer 6 is laminated on the metal substrate 2 in such a relation that it covers the insulating cover layer 5 and also is put in close contact with the resin layers 7 at end portions thereof by a vacuum film-forming method or by plating.

Abstract: A formation pressure testing while drilling device on a bottomhole assembly makes measurements of fluid pressure during drilling of a borehole. Based on the pressure measurements, drilling direction can be altered to maintain the wellbore in a desired relation to a fluid contact. Acoustic transmitters and/or receivers on the bottomhole assembly can provide additional information about bed boundaries, faults and gas-water contacts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a drilling operation involving the rotation of a bottom-hole assembly carried by a drillstring. In one embodiment, an integrated, closed-loop rigsite analysis system is provided for acquiring and analyzing real-time mud logging and downhole data, and displaying in real-time values of one or more operator-controllable parameters, along with dynamic critical values of at least one controllable operating parameter, thereby enabling an operator to modulate such parameter on a real-time basis to optimize operation. The integrated information is derived by intelligent combination of data into meaningful and useable information that can be displayed in an informative manner.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a cylindrical linear fluid motor comprising a plurality of reciprocating rotary piston sleeve intermediate an inner coaxial hollow drive shaft and an outer coaxial cylindrical housing. Rotating disc valves at both ends of the sleeve piston control the sequential flow of high-pressure and low-pressure fluid through ports in both the drive shaft and the housing. High-pressure fluid acts on one end of the sleeve piston causing the piston to travel laterally along the drive shaft, with an inner set of roller balls in linear raceways ensuring no rotation between each piston and the drive shaft. The linear motion simultaneously affects exhausting of low-pressure fluid at the other end of the piston. Outer balls are seated in the housing and a sinusoidal circumferential raceway of each piston, to affect rotation in the piston from the lateral motion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.

Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer comprises a sleeve (46) which defines a cylinder in which a piston is reciprocable. A plurality of axially extending ribs are formed on the outer surface or the sleeve, and conduits are formed in at least one of the fibs for conveying compressed air or another drive fluid to ports in the sleeve, to operate the piston. This arrangement makes it possible to increase the effective diameter of the hammer as a percentage of the bit diameter, which is particularly useful in relatively small drill hammers.

Abstract: A bit body formed of a mixture of matrix material and superabrasive powder and including pockets lined with superabrasive-free matrix material, and a method for forming the same, are provided. The pockets are shaped to receive cutting elements therein. The superabrasive-free matrix material enhances braze strength when a cutting element is brazed to surfaces of the pocket. The method for forming the drill bit body includes providing a mold and displacements. The displacements are coated with a mixture of superabrasive free matrix-material and an organic binder. The mold is packed with a mixture of matrix material and superabrasive powder and the arrangement heated to form a solid drill bit body. When the solid bit body is removed from the mold, pockets are formed by the displacements in the bit body and are lined with the layer of superabrasive-free matrix material. The superabrasive material may be diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, SiC or TiB2 in exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly includes a drill bit having a leading end to which a drill tip is bonded. The drill tip has a front cutting edge, a pair of side cutting edges, a rear end and a pair of parallel side walls extending between the respective edges. The leading end is arranged to support the drill tip along the rear end and against the parallel side walls. The drill bit includes a bore extending axially therethrough and opening into the leading end. The drill tip extends across the bore but permits egress of flushing liquid from the bore. The drill tip includes projections arranged to cooperate with an engagement face formed at the leading end to locate the drill tip in a bonding position relative to the leading end prior to bonding of the drill tip to the leading end. The cooperation is such as to resist shifting movement of the drill tip in a direction of elongation of the tip and out of the bonding position.

Abstract: Drill bit bodies are provided having one portion formed of one composition and a further portion formed of a different composition. The different compositions provide different functional properties to respective portions of the drill bit body. Methods for forming such drill bit bodies are also provided.

Abstract: Cutting elements having a non-planar substrate interface surface including a band and an ultra hard material layer over the interface surface are provided. Also provided are earth boring bits incorporating such cutting elements.

Abstract: A system for weighing a load that uses a weighing apparatus comprising a plurality of load cells (1), a means for receiving a load supported by said load cells, a means associated with each load cell (1) to supply a digital representation of the load on each load cell, said load cells being connected together to form a communication network, wherein a digital representation of the load on each load cell (1) is generated, a correction coefficient Xj of said digital representation for each load cell (1) is determined, said correction coefficient Xj is stored in the respective load cell (1) and the gain of each load cell is varied according to its correction coefficient Xj to generate a correct digital representation of the load for each load cell (1).

Abstract: Each of a plurality of scale units 10 that constitute a combination weigher is provided with a cut gate 11 attached to a lower portion of a powdery- or granular-material hopper 12, a feeding hopper 13 for temporarily retaining a powdery or granular material supplied from the cut gate 11, a gate-type weighing hopper 14 for weighing the powdery or granular material supplied from the feeding hopper 13, and a collecting chute 16 for collecting the powdery or granular material discharged from each weighing hopper 14 and supplying it to a wrapping machine or the like. A load cell 15 is attached to the weighing hopper 14, and the load cell 15 measures the weight of the powdery or granular material for performing combinatorial computing between the weighing hoppers 14. A dust-preventing bellow 18 is provided in between the respective constituting components: the cut gate 11, the feeding hopper 13, the weighing hopper 14, and the collecting chute 16.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measurement of the weight force of a bale of crop material after it is formed in a baler. The formed bale is movable in the baler by a conveying device and a weight force measurement device is provided for measuring a measurement parameter which is influenced by the weight force of the formed bale. The measurement device is set up so as to measure the weight force of the bale when the latter is resting on the conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a prime mover mounted on the vehicle frame, a laterally turnable wheel disposed at one side of the vehicle frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed at the other side of the vehicle frame, a steering operation device, a traveling operation device for setting the traveling speed and direction of the vehicle, and a pair of transmissions for controlling the rotary speed and direction of the respective drive wheels. The transmissions are operationally connected with the steering operation device so as to create a difference of rotary speed between the drive wheels according to operation of the steering operation device. The transmissions are operationally connected with the traveling operation device so as to drive the drive wheels in a common rotary direction from their stationary state according to operation of the traveling operation device.

Abstract: A cart pulling vehicle for use in parking lots made up of a hand operated motor-driven base which pulls shopping carts. The device utilizes a cable that is retractably mounted on the base and stretches to surround the line of carts pulled. This cable is retracted by a pair of cable drums at its ends which are driven by torsion springs. These separate dual torsion springs place torque on the cable drums which, in turn, exert tension on each half of the cable. When the cart pulling vehicle is in motion, a lock arrangement prevents additional cable from unreeling which the tension on each side cable pulling the carts in a train-like fashion. When the vehicle is stopped, a lock is released and the cable is able to extend to surround additional carts.

Abstract: This application relates to a hybrid power supply apparatus comprising a fuel cell and an energy storage device for use in off-road electric vehicles, such as lift trucks. The apparatus is a substitute for conventional lead acid batteries and is sized to fit within a conventional lift truck battery receptacle tray. The fuel cell and fuel processor systems are designed to meet the average load requirements of the vehicle, while the batteries and power control hardware are capable of responding to very high instantaneous load demands. The invention has a similar electrical interface as conventional battery systems and does not require vehicle modification. The apparatus is air-cooled to ensure that the hybrid power components operate within a preferred temperature range and to maintain the external surfaces of the apparatus and exhaust gases within safe temperature limits.

Abstract: A moveable cart suitable for use on a hog farm, comprises a base, which has wheels mounted thereon, a see-through wall extending upwardly from the base at a location suitable for abutting engagement by the male hog head standing on the base, a mechanism associated with the see-through wall for forcibly biasing the male hog head on one lateral side direction of the cart, and at least one opening in the wall sized to permit a snout of a hog to at least partially extend therethrough. The cart can also take the form of a male hog cage having two sides, a front end and a rear end, and comprising a base for supporting a male hog having its head destined to be located at the front end of the cage, a peripheral wall upstanding from the base for preventing the male hog from leaving the cage, and a head positioning device for positioning the head of the male hog towards a selected one of the two sides.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure is configured that enables a cabin section and a chassis frame to move relative to each other and enables both strength of the vehicle body and the safety of the occupants during a collision to be ensured with good efficiency. The cabin section serves as the space in which the passengers reside. The chassis frame and cabin section are separate, independent structures connected through a displacement mechanism in such a manner that the chassis frame and cabin section can move separately relative to each other, when a collision occurs. As a result, transmission of the collision impact to the cabin section is alleviated in an effective manner and the strength of the cabin section and chassis frame can be increased.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for protecting an engine are disclosed which are capable of preventing damage to the engine or associated parts thereof. The engine is provided with an electronic control fuel injection system. A quasi-abnormality of at least one of variables in connection with the engine and the associated parts thereof, such as an engine cooling water, a fuel pressure or the like is detected by a sensor. When the quasi-abnormality of the variable and such a quasi-abnormal state lasts for a predetermined period of time, a throttle opening of an electronic control throttle is regulated so as to limit an engine rotational speed to a low rate.

Abstract: A system for detecting the seat occupancy in a vehicle includes a microwave transmitter (10) and a plurality of small-area reflectors (12) which are arranged in the vehicle. By activating or deactivating the different reflectors (12) during different time intervals, the reflectors (12) can be identified via the unequivocal assignment between the time intervals and the reflectors. This makes it possible to use narrow-band microwave radiation, since it is then not absolutely necessary to identify the reflectors (12) with the aid of different frequencies. It is also possible to arrange receivers in the seat (20) instead of reflectors (12).