Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and apparatus are provided for sharing information between a group of vehicles that includes a first vehicle and one or more other vehicles. Each of the vehicles includes an onboard computer system that includes a computer processor, a receiver, a transmitter, and a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various acts. In accordance with the method, an onboard computer at the first vehicle generates information and automatically communicates that information to the other vehicles of the group of vehicles. Upon receiving this information at each of the other vehicles, the information can be processed at the onboard computers of each of the other vehicles, and then presented via human machine interfaces that are disposed within or inside each of the other vehicles.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for facilitating stops for vehicles en route to a common destination. A request is received from a first vehicle, the request pertaining to a desire to make a particular type of stop en route to a destination. Information pertaining to the request is transmitted to one or more additional vehicles that are also en route to the destination. Feedback is obtained from the first vehicle, the second vehicle, or both, as to a desired location for the stop.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for associating vehicles en route to a common destination. A request is received from a first vehicle as to an identification of one or more additional vehicles en route to the common destination. The first vehicle is associated with the additional vehicles as part of a caravan. Information is provided as to each of the vehicles in the caravan.

Abstract: A method of providing hands-free services using a mobile device having wireless access to computer-based services includes receiving speech in a vehicle from a vehicle occupant; recording the speech using a mobile device; transmitting the recorded speech from the mobile device to a cloud speech service; receiving automatic speech recognition (ASR) results from the cloud speech service at the mobile device; and comparing the recorded speech with the received ASR results at the mobile device to identify one or more error conditions.

Abstract: A method of managing speech interfaces to computer-based services includes beginning a first speech session that is carried out in a vehicle over a short-range wireless connection between a vehicle occupant and a mobile device; detecting an initiation of a second speech session while the first speech session is being carried out; determining an assigned priority level of the first speech session relative to an assigned priority level of the second speech session; and when the assigned priority level of the second speech session has a higher priority than the assigned priority level of the first speech session, carrying out a session-appropriate action on the first speech session.

Abstract: A method of providing hands-free services using a mobile device having wireless access to computer-based services includes establishing a short-range wireless connection between a mobile device and a vehicle; receiving speech in the vehicle that is communicated to a mobile voice platform resident on the mobile device via the short-range wireless connection; parsing the received speech using the mobile voice platform to identify vehicle-specific vocabulary; when vehicle-specific vocabulary exists, identifying at least one vehicle-specific vocabulary term that affects vehicle operation; identifying at least one vehicle function of an inter-related group of vehicle functions that is associated with the identified vehicle-specific vocabulary; determining whether to access one or more cloud services based on the identity of the vehicle function; generating a text-based command reflecting audible control of the affected vehicle function; and sending the text-based command from the mobile device to the vehicle over

Abstract: A method of managing a wireless connection at a mobile device includes detecting a short-range wireless signal at a mobile device; determining whether the short-range wireless signal is broadcast from a vehicular short-range wireless device or a non-vehicular short-range wireless device; and restricting one or more services available at the mobile device based on whether the short-range wireless signal is broadcast from a vehicular short-range wireless device or a non-vehicular short-range wireless device.

Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug, may be used to set a packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may use a flapper mechanism to regulate passage of fluids through the housing, and a piston and/or flow tube may also be utilized to lock the flapper in an open or closed orientation within the housing.

Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug, may be used to set a packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may use a flapper mechanism to regulate passage of fluids through the housing, and a piston and/or flow tube may also be utilized to lock the flapper in an open or closed orientation within the housing.

Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug and may also be used to set the packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may also contain a pressure-regulating assembly for regulating the differential pressure across the assembly. The tool may also include an indicator assembly for confirming that the tool has entered a plugging configuration, typically by altering a pressure within the tubing, such alteration being detectible at a surface location.

Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug and may also be used to set the packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may also contain a pressure-regulating assembly for regulating the differential pressure across the assembly. The tool may also include an indicator assembly for confirming that the tool has entered a plugging configuration, typically by altering a pressure within the tubing, such alteration being detectible at a surface location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing gas lift valves when the valve is stuck in a side pocket mandrel positioned in an oil and gas well. The method includes the running of an elongated tool body into the well on a slick line, wireline or the like. The tool body is extended into the side pocket mandrel sufficiently so that the distal end of the tool body is located at an elevational position below the gas lift valve to be removed. A valve removal arm extend laterally from the tool body and into the lower end portion of the side pocket portion of the side pocket mandrel, at a position directly below the gas lift valve. The tool body is lifted until the valve removal arm engages the bottom of the gas lift valve. Continued application of tension to the wireline lifts the tool body and the valve removal arm that is engaged with the bottom of the as lift valve, thus dislodging the stuck gas lift valve from the side pocket portion of the side pocket mandrel.