Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing one or more autonomous features for autonomous and semi-autonomous control of one or more vehicles are provided. More specifically, image data may be obtained from an image acquisition device and processed utilizing one or more machine learning models to identify, track, and extract one or more features of the image utilized in decision making processes for providing steering angle and/or acceleration/deceleration input to one or more vehicle controllers. In some instances, techniques may be employed such that the autonomous and semi-autonomous control of a vehicle may change between vehicle follow and lane follow modes. In some instances, at least a portion of the machine learning model may be updated based on one or more conditions.

Abstract: Structures for a filter and methods of fabricating a structure for a filter. The filter is coupled to a waveguide core. The filter includes a first plurality of grating structures positioned adjacent to a first section of the waveguide core and a second plurality of grating structures positioned adjacent to a second section of the waveguide core. The first plurality of grating structures are configured to cause laser light in a first portion of a wavelength band to be transferred between the first section of the waveguide core and the first plurality of grating structures. The second plurality of grating structures are configured to cause laser light in a second portion of a wavelength band to be transferred between the second section of the waveguide core and the second plurality of grating structures.

Abstract: A trellis apparatus for supporting a growing plant includes a mesh operable to support and hold a growing portion of a plant when the plant is held by a portable container, and a frame operable to support and hold the mesh above the plant when the plant is held by the portable container. The mesh is sized and configured to not support and not hold a growing portion of another plant when the other plant is not held by the portable container. The mesh includes an array of passages, each passage defined by a section of a line that is configured to form the mesh, and at least one of the passages is sized to allow a growing portion of the plant held by the portable container to extend through the passage. The frame includes a stanchion operable to position and hold the mesh above the plant when the plant is held by the portable container, and a coupler operable to secure the stanchion to the container that holds the growing plant.

Abstract: Methods of rotary friction welding a (e.g., concentrically) threaded connector to a subsea-type riser or flowline pipe segment and/or of rotary friction welding cladded pipe segments. Subsea-type riser or flowline pipe segment with a (e.g., concentrically) threaded connector fused to the pipe segment at an autogeneous friction welded seam, and/or subsea-type riser or flowline cladded pipe segments fused together at a friction welded seam.

Abstract: A floating structure includes a hull and a work structure for supporting, lifting or lowering elongate objects. The work structure includes an elevating platform having an opening for receiving an object to be supported, lifted or lowered. The elevating platform is supported on the hull and is connected to a movable force element. The work structure includes a compensator platform pivotably supported on the hull around a pivot axis via a bracket or curved track. The compensator platform has an opening for receiving the object to be handled while the elevating platform is supported on the compensator platform via at least one elastomeric support. The force element is on one side attached to the hull and on the other side to the compensator platform for transmitting a driving force or a damping force to the platform when the platform is pivoted about a pin or displaced over the curved track.

Abstract: Systems and methods that permit assembly, disassembly, and relocation of modular structures, such as platforms and towers, without the need for permanent attachment of the modules, such as welding. Aspects of certain embodiments replace permanent attachment means, such as welding, with connectors at the structural interfaces between modules. Certain embodiments of the connectors of the present invention allow for the repeated reuse and relocation of modular structures as needed. Certain embodiments allow for the use of float-over methodologies to coupled topside modules to supporting structures without offshore welding.

Abstract: A deployment apparatus is described. The deployment apparatus is for deploying an underwater power generator having a power generating main body from a deployment vessel disposed on the surface of a body of water onto a pylon disposed on the bed of the body of water and the deployment apparatus includes: a frame including one or more connectors disposed on a base region of the frame, the connectors for releasable connection to catches disposed on an upper region of the power generating main body, the connectors being remotely operable between a connected position in which the connectors are engaged with the catches and a disconnected position in which the connectors are disengaged from the catches; and one or more cameras disposed on the frame for providing visual guidance to the vessel of the position of the underwater power generator relative to the pylon. A method for deployment of the underwater power generator is also described.

Abstract: Multi-cylinder buoyant island structures, such as may be used for staging and storage related to offshore oil and gas production activities, and methods of use and manufacture.

Abstract: A deployment apparatus is described. The deployment apparatus is for deploying an underwater power generator having a power generating main body from a deployment vessel disposed on the surface of a body of water onto a pylon disposed on the bed of the body of water and the deployment apparatus includes: a frame including one or more connectors disposed on a base region of the frame, the connectors for releasable connection to catches disposed on an upper region of the power generating main body, the connectors being remotely operable between a connected position in which the connectors are engaged with the catches and a disconnected position in which the connectors are disengaged from the catches; and one or more cameras disposed on the frame for providing visual guidance to the vessel of the position of the underwater power generator relative to the pylon. A method for deployment of the underwater power generator is also described.

Abstract: A method for installing risers so they extend from a FPU (floating production unit) to multiple subsea hydrocarbon wells of an oil field, which avoids damage to the pipe sections and that is economical. As pipe sections are connected to a near end (56) of a pipe string portion (68B-68D) that lies at the FPU, a tug boat (30) pulls the far end (65) of the pipe string toward a well head. Initially, a long pull line (34) extends from a winch (32) on the tug boat, in a double catenary curve to the far end of the pipe string. The winch is operated to shorten the pull line until the pipe string extends in a double catenary curve (60). Tension in the pipe string is maintained at a proper level during installation by maintaining the near end portion of the pipe string so it extends at a near end angle (70) to the vertical that continually lies within a predetermined range, such as from 3° to 12°.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. In certain example embodiments, a bracket or pad is bonded to a reflecting panel. The bracket has at least one fastening element protruding therefrom. The fastening element cooperates with at least a hole formed in a mounting frame for securing the panel to a frame, e.g., in mounting the panel. In certain example embodiments, the at least one fastening element comprises two deformable tabs. In certain example embodiments, the at least one fastening element is a shoulder screw that cooperates with a keyhole and slot arrangement provided to the mounting frame, with the shoulder screw being held in place by an optional spring clip.

Abstract: A method for installing risers so they extend from a FPU (floating production unit) to multiple subsea hydrocarbon wells of an oil field, which avoids damage to the pipe sections and that is economical. As pipe sections are connected to a near end (56) of a pipe string portion (68B-68D) that lies at the FPU, a tug boat (30) pulls the far end (65) of the pipe string toward a well head. Initially, a long pull line (34) extends from a winch (32) on the tug boat, in a double catenary curve to the far end of the pipe string. The winch is operated to shorten the pull line until the pipe string extends in a double catenary curve (60). Tension in the pipe string is maintained at a proper level during installation by maintaining the near end portion of the pipe string so it extends at a near end angle (70) to the vertical that continually lies within a predetermined range, such as from 3° to 12°.

Abstract: An improved rotating latch connector system is disclosed wherein a connector assembly of the connector system includes on or more improvements such as connector lugs having a narrow width chamfered edges, or an asymmetric apex. Improvements to the receptacle assembly may include a modified two-stage entry cone, placement of one or more anti-rotation barriers within the receptacle assembly and modifications to the receptacle lugs similar to those described for the connector lugs.

Abstract: A riser connector connects the upper portion of a riser (12) having a latching enlargement (32) to a receptacle (14) on a vessel (16), so the riser upper end (22) can connect to a fluid coupling (42) leading to a conduit (40) on the vessel. A double-click mechanism (88), with parts on the enlargement and on the receptacle, turns a load ring on the enlargement to latch the enlargement in place when it is lifted to an upper position and lowered to a latched position, and releases it by again lifting and lowering. A cable coupling (24) is temporarily mounted on the top of the riser to enable the riser to be lifted by a cable (26), the cable coupling being later removed to connect the riser upper end to the fluid coupling on the vessel.

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 drug delivery device for delivery of a drug to the lungs of a user includes a tubular housing having a mouth a mouthpiece, a heat source, and a middle section between the mouthpiece and the heat source. The middle section has an chamber containing a plurality of inert inorganic particles which have a drug adsorbed as a coating thereon. The heat source, the plurality of inert inorganic particles in the middle section and the mouthpiece are fluidly connected through an interior passageway of the tubular housing and the distal end section is fluidly connected to outside air. When a user applies suction to the mouthpiece, air from the outside is drawn into the heat source by suction and is heated, and the heated air is drawn into the chamber of the middle section to heat, volatilize and desorb the drug from the inert particles. The volatilized and desorbed drug is then drawn from the chamber of the middle section into the mouthpiece and then into the mouth and lungs of the user.