Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a wireline assembly that includes a coring tool for taking coring samples of the formation and a formation testing tool for taking fluid samples from the formation, where the formation testing tool is operatively connected to the coring tool. In some embodiments, the wireline assembly includes a low-power coring tool. In other embodiments, the coring tool includes a flowline for formation testing.

Abstract: Light weight high strength particles and methods of treating subterranean producing zones utilizing the particles are provided. The light weight high strength particles of the invention are basically comprised of sintered mixtures of a base material and hollow microspheres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lightweight composite particulates and their use in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and completion. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of forming a lightweight particulate suitable for use as proppant or gravel in a subterranean operation comprising the steps of forming a substantially homogeneous mixture of PET and a filler material; forming the homogeneous mixture into particulates suitable for use in a subterranean environment. Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods of treating, fracturing, and gravel packing a chosen zone in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful during sand control operations and, more particularly, to using water-soluble relative permeability modifiers that are useful for controlling fluid loss during sand control operations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of providing fluid loss control during sand control operations comprising introducing a fluid that comprises a water-soluble relative permeability modifier into a well bore; and stabilizing unconsolidated formation particulates in a section of a subterranean formation penetrated by the well bore. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of providing fluid loss control during sand control operations and methods of reducing fluid loss from carrier fluids used in sand control operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a well bore, placing a liner, cementing and perforating the liner, and injecting or producing fluid, sand-free, through the perforations. The liner has a plurality of outwardly extendable elements for perforation and sand control. The tool also can have a drilling apparatus, a cementing apparatus, a steering apparatus and a formation evaluation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of cementing and cement compositions.

Abstract: A firing head sub for use in explosive well perforation is described. The firing head initiates the firing of a charge within a downhole perforating gun, and also releases the firing head and perforating gun from the tubing string upon firing so as to avoid clogging of the perforating gun with sand and jamming of the perforating gun downhole. The firing head and perforating gun will only be released upon detonation of the charge. This is ensured by a feedback loop that returns spent detonation gas to the firing head to shift a sleeve, thereby unbiasing the firing head latches from their engagement with the tubing string connector, thereby releasing the firing head from the tubing string.

Abstract: A heating tool used for heating cement and/or a ground formation zone and melting billets in a down hole application for sealing oil and gas wells from gas migration. The heating tool has a billet loader which allows a plurality of billets to be loaded into the top of the tool and which billets then pass downward into a magazine and the lowermost heating area of the tool to rest on a billet retainer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods useful in subterranean treatment operations. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for treating subterranean formations using low-molecular-weight fluids. Examples of methods of the present invention include methods of treating a subterranean formation intersected by a wellbore; methods of enhancing production from multiple subterranean formations penetrated by a well bore during a single trip through the well bore; methods of enhancing production, in real time, from multiple subterranean formations penetrated by a well bore during a single trip through the well bore; and methods of reducing the cost of enhancing production from multiple formations penetrated by a well bore by stimulating multiple formations, on a single trip through the well bore, with a fluid that minimizes damage to the formation.

Abstract: A method for servicing a component of a riser system, such as a flexible joint is disclosed. The riser system may be supported in a support apparatus such that the flexible joint and an adjoining section of riser are detached to allow for inspection, servicing, repair, and/or replacement of the flexible joint or various subcomponents thereof. An apparatus is also disclosed for supporting the flexible joint during servicing.

Abstract: A flow shut-off sleeve assembly adapted to be coupled to a subsea wellhead housing disposed within a conductor housing, which opens and closes at least one flow port in the conductor housing to annular fluid flow, is provided. The flow shut-off sleeve assembly includes an internal annular flow shut-off sleeve disposed around an exterior portion of the subsea wellhead housing and an external annular flow shut-off sleeve disposed around an exterior portion of the internal annular flow shut-off sleeve. The external annular flow shut-off sleeve is movable axially relative to the internal annular flow shut-off sleeve between an open position wherein the at least one flow port is open to annular fluid flow and a closed position, wherein the at least one flow port is closed to annular fluid flow. A subsea well assembly is also provided, which includes the flow shut-off sleeve assembly.

Abstract: An outer tubing hanger is secured to an outer string of tubing and landed in a wellhead housing. A Christmas tree is connected to the wellhead housing. While in a first mode, an isolation tube extends between the tree and the outer tubing hanger for conveying well fluid flowing up the outer string of tubing. The isolation tube is removed while in a second mode, and an inner tubing hanger secured to an inner string of tubing lands in the outer tubing hanger production passage. An upper portion of the inner tubing hanger extends into sealing engagement with the tree production passage for flowing well fluid up the inner string of tubing while in the second mode.

Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.

Abstract: A valve apparatus. The valve apparatus is disposed within a well so that an annulus is formed between an outer portion of the valve and an inner portion of the well. In one preferred embodiment, the valve apparatus comprises an outer mandrel containing an annulus port; an inner mandrel slidably disposed within the outer mandrel, and wherein the inner mandrel contains a production and equalizing port. The valve contains a seal assembly so that pressure from the annulus is isolated from the inner portion of the inner mandrel. In one preferred embodiment, the seal assembly comprises: a first header seal; a first seal ring, abutting the header seal, for sealing with the outer portion of the inner mandrel; a follower seal abutting the seal ring; a second seal ring, abutting the follower seal, for sealing with the outer portion of the inner mandrel; a second header seal; and an equalizing seal abutting the second seal ring.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatuses and methods for an improved shunt nozzle which is part of an alternative pathway for a slurry to by-pass an obstruction such as a sand bridge during gravel packing. In one embodiment, the nozzle has a hardened insert that lines a surface of a hole in the shunt and seats on a surface of a wall proximate the hole, thereby restraining movement of the insert relative to the shunt for welding an outer jacket to the shunt.

Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler system, and method for installing a sprinkler system in new and existing buildings. The system includes a manifold that supplies fire suppression fluid to a set of wall-mounted sprinkler heads via flexible sprinkler head conduits through an unobstructed path. The installation and retrofit methods include determining the location of the sprinkler head, installing the manifold, making sure that there is an unobstructed path between the manifold and the sprinkler head location, running the conduit through the path by snaking it where necessary through the wall to which the sprinkler head is mounted, connecting the conduit to the manifold and sprinkler head, and then mounting the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A method of designing a residential fire protection system in a residential dwelling unit are shown and described. The residential dwelling unit has a plurality of compartments as defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. The method can be achieved by: determining a minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers required to determine a hydraulic demand calculation of the residential fire sprinklers of a piping network filled with water and arranged to protect the plurality of compartments; and specifying the minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers in a piping network filled with a gas. Various aspects of the invention are also shown and described.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a power tool is described and includes a first substantially tubular body portion 210 which contains a first spring 212. A second body portion 216 is slidably mounted within first body portion 210 and contains a second spring 218. A third body portion 222 is also slidably mounted within first body portion 210. The biasing coefficient, or spring constant, of the first spring 212 is less than that of the second spring 218. The first, second and third body portions 210, 216 and 222, and first and second springs, 212 and 218, are all mounted coaxially on threaded bolt 224. In use the third body portion 222 moves within first body portion 210 in a direction towards end portion 214 and the first and softer spring 212 becomes compressed more rapidly than the second and harder spring 218.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a hedge trimmer is disclosed. Thumb catches 1032, 1048, together with corresponding locking members are initially biased downwardly relative to corresponding actuator levers 1010, 1014, as a result of which actuation of a motor of the hedge trimmer is prevented. This prevents inadvertent one-handed actuation of the hedge trimmer. In order to actuate the hedge trimmer, the user holds one of the actuator levers 1010, 1014 the corresponding thumb catch 1032 or 1048 upwardly, which causes movement of the other thumb catch towards its release position to allow pivotable movement of the actuator levers 1010, 1014 relative to a handle of the hedge trimmer. Movement of one of the actuator levers 1010, 1014 relative to the handle brings the lever 1018 into engagement with the electrical switch assembly 1008 to actuate the motor of the hedge trimmer.

Abstract: A device has a torque-limiting unit of a power drill, wherein torque-limiting unit is intended to limit a screwdriving moment in a screwdriving function; and a power drill is provided with the new torque-limiting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an impact against a target object comprises a driver reciprocally disposed in a housing. The driver includes a hollow tube having a closed end and a nozzle sealing the other end. A piston is slidably positioned in the tube. Propellant is disposed between the piston and the closed end of the tube and fluid is disposed between the nozzle and the piston. A rupture disc is provided for sealing the nozzle which is adapted to rupture when the pressure in the tube exceeds a predetermined pressure. A striker is also mounted in the housing so that in a retracted position of the striker a head portion is proximate the driver and a portion of a shaft extends outwardly from the housing. The striker member is movable between the retracted position and an extended position. The propellant is ignited so that combustion gases build pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube causing the pressure in the tube to exceed the predetermined pressure for rupturing the disc.

Abstract: An electrical box having spring legs for supporting the box within a space between a pair of spaced-apart parallel concrete forms. The legs engage the inside surface of one form and bias the open end of the box against the inside surface of the other form. The legs and the bottom of the box are cooperatively configured to facilitate attachment of the legs to the box. A bendable strap is attached to the box for wrapping around reinforcing bars within the forms. The legs and strap hold the box in position when concrete is poured into the space between the forms. The entire box and support elements remain embedded within the finished concrete wall, and with the open end of the box exposed at an outer surface of the concrete wall.

Abstract: A space structure for tidying up cables connecting to an electronic appliance, comprising a housing, a side of the housing is provided with a panel on which a plurality of input and output ports are formed for connection of different cables, the space structure defined on the panel of the housing, and comprises: a covering plate employed to cover the side of the housing and located a distance away from the panel of the housing; and at least an opening formed between the covering plate and the panel of the housing for allowing passage of the cables.

Abstract: A PTFE stud for an ultrahigh-value resistor includes a first portion to be mounted on a substrate and a second portion attached to the first portion so as to not be in contact with the surface of the substrate. The first portion is formed of insulating material and the second portion has a mounting hole that penetrates the second portion so as to be parallel to the surface of the substrate. The mounting hole is adapted such that the lead of the ultrahigh-value resistor is inserted thereinto. The ultrahigh-value resistor can be mounted without soldering.

Abstract: When designing and arranging an electronic part such as a PC card connector on a wiring board using a CAD device, it is an object of the present invention to provide a condition display method for a wiring board design with excellent practicability capable of efficiently arranging other electronic parts lower than the height of a gap produced between the card connector and the underlying wiring board in the gap area. The method includes the steps of reading shape/size data of a PC card connector or the like producing a gap in an underlying part from an electronic parts catalog thereof, inputting gap area data and height limits which falls within an allowable height range in the gap area in a CAD menu of the wiring board design CAD device, thereby partitioning and displaying mountable areas with a height limit on a drawing of the wiring board with lines indicating the areas and displaying height limits of electronic parts that can be arranged in the mountable areas.

Abstract: A composite board is fixed by solder to an electrode land formed on a circuit board having an electric wiring. The composite board and another metal plate are bonded by using an electric welding method or the like. By bonding a metal plate of a low resistance or a non-metal plate to the composite board, heat of high temperature or a large current which is generated upon electric wiring can be made difficult to be transferred to a lower portion of the composite board. A structure of a terminal member in which it is possible to prevent the solder under the composite board from being diffused, the solder is not scattered to the periphery, and a short-circuit is not caused is obtained. The terminal member to form the circuit board which is more mechanically and electrically stable is provided.

Abstract: A circuit board with an asymmetrical structure and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. A core circuit board is provided, with a build-up structure being formed on a side of the core circuit board, and a laminated structure being formed on an opposite side of the core circuit board, such that the build-up structure and laminated structure on two sides of the core circuit board can be mutually balanced. Then, the build-up process and the laminated process can be repeated on the two sides of the core circuit board to form more build-up structures and at least one more laminated structure having preferable rigidity to counteract warpage of the core circuit board caused by fabrication of the build-up structures, wherein the number of the build-up structures can be larger than the number of the laminated structures thereby forming a circuit board with an asymmetrical structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a printed circuit board to be subjected to dip soldering process using a dip soldering jig, the board capable of discharging gases generated by the volatilization of flux thereby preventing solder defects, and a method for manufacturing the printed circuit board. Gas venting holes 12 are formed in areas adjacent to lead wire welding components 11 on the forward side of the feeding direction of the printed circuit board in the dip soldering process (board feeding direction 13) and within the area of an opening 23 formed to the dip soldering jig 20. Thereby, gases generated during the dip soldering process are discharged efficiently.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a double-sided PCB without via holes, functioning to transport electric signals between both sides of the PCB, by folding a flexible substrate, in which circuit patterns are formed on only one side of the flexible substrate, and the double-sided PCB without the via holes fabricated by the method. Therefore, the method is advantageous in that it allows PCB manufacturers to save the efforts for forming and protecting the via holes because the double-sided PCB does not need via holes, and reduces its fabricating cost and time, due to simplicity of this method.

Abstract: A packaged microelectronic element includes connection component incorporating a dielectric layer (22) carrying traces (58) remote from an outer surface (26), posts (48) extending from the traces and projecting beyond the outer surface of the dielectric, and pads (30) exposed at the outer surface of the dielectric layer, the pads being connected to the posts by the traces. The dielectric element overlies the front surface of a microelectronic element, and contacts (74) exposed on the front surface of the microelectronic element are connected to the pads by elongated leads (76) such as wire bonds. Methods of making the connection component are also disclosed.

Abstract: A closed-loop downhole drilling system is disclosed that includes a high-speed communications network, comprising multiple nodes, integrated into a downhole drilling string. The high-speed communications network supports data transmission rates far exceeding data rates of mud pulse telemetry systems. Sensors, located at a selected points along the downhole drilling string, are operably connected to the nodes and transmit data through the communications network corresponding to conditions sensed downhole. A control module receives the sensor data through the communications network and automatically adjusts uphole or downhole-drilling parameters in response thereto.

Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. Responsive to a predicted drilling mechanics, a controller controls a parameter in the drilling of the well bore. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications include at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters.

Abstract: A communication adapter is disclosed that provides for removable attachment to a drilling component when the drilling component is not actively drilling and for communication with an integrated transmission system in the drilling component. The communication adapter comprises a data transmission coupler that facilitates communication between the drilling component and the adapter, a mechanical coupler that facilitates removable attachment of the adapter to the drilling component, and a data interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in assessing down-hole drilling conditions are disclosed. The apparatus includes a drill string, a plurality of sensors, a computing device, and a down-hole network. The sensors are distributed along the length of the drill string and are capable of sensing localized down-hole conditions while drilling. The computing device is coupled to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors. The data is transmitted from the sensors to the computing device over the down-hole network. The computing device analyzes data output by the sensors and representative of the sensed localized conditions to assess the down-hole drilling conditions. The method includes sensing localized drilling conditions at a plurality of points distributed along the length of a drill string during drilling operations; transmitting data representative of the sensed localized conditions to a predetermined location; and analyzing the transmitted data to assess the down-hole drilling conditions.

Abstract: A dual wall drill string assembly for subsurface drilling. The drill string assembly includes a metallic outer tube having an outer tube first end and an outer tube second end opposite the outer tube first end. The assembly also includes a flexible, substantially non-metallic inner tube that is substantially enclosed within and generally coaxially aligned with the outer tube. The flexible, substantially non-metallic inner tube has an inner tube first end, an inner tube second end opposite the inner tube first end, and an inner tube inner diameter. The inner tube and the outer tube define an annular channel therebetween. The drill string assembly also includes a means for conveying fluid through the annular channel toward the inner tube first end. The annular channel is adapted to convey drilling fluid under pressure toward the inner tube first end, and the inner tube is adapted to convey cuttings toward the inner tube second end.

Abstract: An impact enhancer apparatus includes: a substantially tubular inner member, a substantially tubular outer member that is axially movable in relation to the inner member, a primary energy storage device adapted to store energy when the inner member is moved in either of first and second axial directions with respect to the outer member and a secondary energy storage device adapted to store energy when the inner member is moved in a first axial direction with respect to the outer member. The primary energy storage device may include a primary biasing device. The secondary energy storage device may include a secondary biasing device. The primary and/or secondary biasing devices may be a spring device such as a disk spring, a coiled spring, a fluid spring, a gas spring, etc. The impact enhancing devices may include tubular members that have double shoulder high torque connections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a chemical formulation useful for creating geosynthetic composites in-situ that includes a melamine-formaldehyde resin in a non-aqueous drilling fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to subterranean fluids, and more particularly, to subterranean drilling fluids that may be useful for reducing the production of water from a portion of a subterranean formation and/or stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation while drilling. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the flow of water from a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an organoaluminum compound, the organoaluminum compound being capable of forming a reaction product in the presence of water. The present invention also includes methods of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation, methods of enhancing the stability of an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, methods of stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, and drilling fluids.

Abstract: An occupant load sensor (10) is fixed to a bracket (48) via a sleeve (60a) of a collar (60) arranged in an outer periphery of a thread (32) of a bolt portion (30), and a bush (62) interposed between the sleeve (60a) and a through hole (48a) of the bracket (48). Accordingly, a slight movement is allowed between the bolt portion (30) and the bracket (48) on the basis of gaps formed between the thread (32) and the sleeve (60a) and between the sleeve (60a) and the bush (62), and it is possible to cancel a force applied from the other directions than a vertical direction. Therefore, a load from the seat side is applied in the vertical direction and it is possible to accurately detect.

Abstract: A compliant interface (14,16) for vehicular seat weight sensors minimizes parasitic stresses affecting sensor output. In one embodiment, an integral compliant interface (14) has an annular flange (14a) attached to a post extending from the sensor body with a first compliant member (14r) disposed between the annular flange and an upper elongated flange (14h) of a mounting bracket (14l) and a second compliant member (14s) disposed between the annular plate and a lower elongated flange (14k) to allow pivotal movement of the sensor limited by a motion stop member (14f) of annular flange (14b) engaging the lower flange. An overload cage (14u) may be placed over the sensor and attached to an additional flange (14l) to contain the sensor in the event of a failure of the mount in a catastrophic high speed crash. According to another preferred embodiment, an interface having upper and lower body members are formed with a sensor post receiving bore (16c) for attachment to the post.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for measuring a weight of an article including a Roberval mechanisms; a first load converting unit including a load receiving portion operationally coupled with a load receiving portion of the Roberval mechanism and a plurality of levers connected in series, a second load converting unit formed by a second Roberval mechanism whose load receiving portion is operationally coupled with the last lever of said first load converting unit, and a load sensor unit including a load receiving portion operationally coupled with the load receiving portion of the second load converting section and a load sensor coupled with said load receiving portion of the load sensor unit, wherein the load applied to said load receiving portion of the Roberval mechanism is enlarged or reduced by the levers of the second load converting section and a thus enlarged or reduced load is applied to the load sensor.

Abstract: A power control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle (1), the hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine (11), a front motor-generator (12), and a transmission (13) which are connected to front wheels (Wf), and a rear motor-generator (14) which is connected to rear wheels (Wr) via a rear differential gear box (DR). A calculated value, which is obtained by subtracting a front output power F_POWER and an accessory output power DV_POWER from a battery output power limit B_LimPow is set as an rear output power limit R_LimPow. The smaller of a rear drive command R_PowCmd (which is set depending on the running state of the vehicle) and a rear output power limit R_LimPow is set as a new rear drive command R_PowCmd. Accordingly, a demanded motor output power can be obtained without increasing the size of the main battery (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical steering and drive system for a vehicle with wheel-based steering with at least two electrically driven axles, a mechanical coupling between the drive sides being provided on at least one driven axle in order to transmit power from one drive side to the other, and a purely electrical transmission of drive power being provided on the other driven axles.

Abstract: A vehicle power source device is provided with an DC/DC converter (4) having a high-frequency insulating transformer (6) that converts power from an overhead power line to DC power, and a CVCF inverter (1) that converts the DC power supplied from this DC/DC converter (4) to AC power; the AC power converted by this CVCF inverter (1) is supplied to equipment such as for on-board lighting.

Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle is provided. The drive system has a drive assembly, at least one power transmission unit that is coupled with the drive assembly and an electrical machine coupled at least indirectly with the drive assembly. The power transmission unit has at least one starting element with a hydrodynamic clutch and a bridging clutch. A rotor or armature of the electrical machine is arranged coaxially to the hydrodynamic clutch and can be coupled with it in a torsionally rigid manner.

Abstract: Motor vehicle having a hybrid drive and a fuel cell system. When activated, the fuel cell system can be operated continuously in a predetermined operating range or at a predetermined operating point of high efficiency, whereby any excess energy generated can be supplied to a power consuming device to maintain the high power withdrawal from the fuel cell system required for said high efficiency.

Abstract: A hybrid prolusion system comprising a first energy storage unit operable to supply power to a traction drive motor. A second energy storage unit is coupled with the first energy storage unit to provide additional power on demand to the traction drive motor. An auxiliary power unit (APU) is used to charge the first battery to maintain a desired voltage across the first energy storage unit.

Abstract: A motorcycle is provided having front and rear wheels. A chassis is supported on and connected to the front and rear wheels. An engine is mounted to the chassis and includes front and rear cylinder heads joined to an engine block. Front and rear mounting assemblies are provided for mounting the engine to the chassis. The rear mounting assembly includes a pair of laterally spaced-apart support plates secured between the engine and a top frame structure of the chassis. The support plates are disposed rearward of the rear cylinder head. A radiator is mounted to the chassis. A thermostat is connected between the engine and the radiator and is operable to control coolant flow from the engine to the radiator. The thermostat is disposed between the support plates.

Abstract: A hood assembly 100 for a vehicle 104 is disclosed. The hood assembly includes a hood 102 coupled to the vehicle and movable between an open position and a closed position. The hood assembly also includes a locking assembly 106. The locking assembly has a locked position for selectively locking the hood in the open position and a release position for permitting the hood to move from the open position to the closed position. The hood assembly further includes a release assembly 110 coupled to the locking assembly for actuating the locking assembly between the locked position and the release position, wherein the release assembly is actuatable by a user 105 standing in front of the hood.