Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for effectively removing from soil samples. By isolating the oil from the soil sample, it is possible to accurately evaluate the different properties of the oil in the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods evaluate the grade or API gravity of petroleum. The methods and systems disclosed herein overcome many of the difficulties commonly associated with petroleum exploration. The methods and systems include collecting fluorescence emission spectra of soil samples and inputting these into an artificial neural network, which is able to rapidly and accurately assess and classify data from multiple soil samples. Additionally, the methods and systems can be useful in identifying other compounds related to or commonly found together with petroleum, including hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for detecting and determining the presence and grade of petroleum oil in a sample. The methods and systems use the fluorescence produced by one or more transition metals present in the oil to detect and determine the presence and grade of the oil in the sample. The fluorescence produced by the metals is also useful as marker for tracking presence oil in the soil. The methods and offset the problems of the existing exploration technologies described above mentioned. Additionally, the methods and systems can be useful in identifying other compounds related to petroleum oil, such as carbon, hydrogen, and other types of aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A method for powering down a autonomous power unit includes a spark ignition engine power source having an associated power source actuating system and a power output, comprises a regulator associated with the power source. The regulator comprises a deactivator actuatingly linked to the power source actuating system and having a base and secondary configurations wherein the base configuration allows the rated power output by the power source and the secondary configurations allow a progressively reduced secondary rate of power output by the power source and wherein the secondary rates are less than the base rate. The apparatus further comprises a controller remote from the regulator, for transmitting a control signal to the regulator. The deactivator is actuable in response to the control signal to activate either the base rate configuration or one of the secondary configurations to control thereby regulating the power source.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for remotely and controllably deactivating or partly deactivating a first asset, which first asset may comprise an air dependent power source. The apparatus may comprise a regulator associated with the first asset. The regulator may comprise a valve having first and second positions and the first position may allow a first rate of the air supply to the power source and the second position may allow a second rate of air supply to the power source and the second rate may be less than the first rate. The apparatus may further comprise a controller remote from the regulator for transmitting a control signal to the regulator; the valve being actuable in response to the control signal to move between the first and second positions thereby regulating the air supply to the power source.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for remotely and controllably deactivating or partly deactivating a first asset, which first asset may comprise an air dependent power source. The apparatus may comprise a regulator associated with the first asset. The regulator may comprise a valve having first and second positions and the first position may allow a first rate of the air supply to the power source and the second position may allow a second rate of air supply to the power source and the second rate may be less than the first rate. The apparatus may further comprise a controller remote from the regulator for transmitting a control signal to the regulator; the valve being actuable in response to the control signal to move between the first and second positions thereby regulating the air supply to the power source.