Abstract: Systems and methods for crude oil separations including degassing, dewatering, desalting, and stabilization. One method includes separating crude oil into a crude oil off-gas and a partially degassed crude oil output; compressing the crude oil off-gas; applying the compressed crude oil off-gas for indirect heating through reboilers of the partially degassed crude oil output; and directly mixing with the crude oil a compressed atmospheric pressure gas. In some embodiments, multiple reboilers are used. In some embodiments, heat exchangers are used. Aftercoolers are used after the compressor to cool the gas; knockout drums are used after the coolers to separate liquids.

Abstract: Systems and methods for crude oil separations including degassing, dewatering, desalting, and stabilization. One method includes separating crude oil into a crude oil off-gas and a partially degassed crude oil output; compressing the crude oil off-gas; applying the compressed crude oil off-gas for indirect heating through reboilers of the partially degassed crude oil output; and directly mixing with the crude oil a compressed atmospheric pressure gas. In some embodiments, multiple reboilers are used. In some embodiments, heat exchangers are used. Aftercoolers are used after the compressor to cool the gas; knockout drums are used after the coolers to separate liquids.

Abstract: A method for consolidating a subterranean geologic formation is provided. The method includes injecting a first composition, a second composition, and a third composition into the subterranean geologic formation. The first composition includes CaO, the second composition includes MgO, and the third composition includes NH4HF2. The method includes injecting at least one thermochemical fluid into the subterranean geologic formation to raise a temperature of the subterranean geologic formation to at least 120° C. The method includes reacting the third composition respectively with the first composition and the second composition to form CaF2 and MgF2 in the subterranean geologic formation. The method includes precipitating the CaF2 and the MgF2 on sand grains of the subterranean geologic formation to bind the sand grains together into a consolidated matrix in the subterranean geologic formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for crude oil separations including degassing, dewatering, desalting, and stabilization. One method includes separating crude oil into a crude oil off-gas and a partially degassed crude oil output; compressing the crude oil off-gas; applying the compressed crude oil off-gas for indirect heating through reboilers of the partially degassed crude oil output; and directly mixing with the crude oil a compressed atmospheric pressure gas. In some embodiments, multiple reboilers are used. In some embodiments, heat exchangers are used. Aftercoolers are used after the compressor to cool the gas; knockout drums are used after the coolers to separate liquids.

Abstract: A system and method are described for assessing accuracy of a virtual horizon generated by a vehicle-based lidar system as the vehicle traverses a route of travel. Travel route topology data is obtained by a vehicle vehicle-mounted global positioning system-assisted inertial measurement unit (GPS/IMU) data. A reference virtual horizon at points along the route of travel is obtained from the GPS/IMU data and is compared with the virtual horizon generated by the lidar system for the same points to assess the accuracy of the virtual horizon generated by the lidar system.

Abstract: A method for package delivery includes identifying a plurality of delivery locations for package delivery. The method includes determining a driving route for an automated ground vehicle to optimize delivery to the delivery locations using one or more automated aerial vehicles. The method includes controlling the automated ground vehicle to navigate the delivery route. The method further includes determining timing for release of the one or more automated aerial vehicles during navigation of the delivery route to deliver packages to the plurality of delivery locations.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using an autonomous vehicle to teach a student how to drive. The method may include generating, by the autonomous vehicle during a training session, a plan for navigating a section of road. During the training session, the autonomous vehicle may receive control instructions from the student regarding how the student would like to navigate the section of road. If the autonomous vehicle determines that implementing the instructions would be safe and legal, it may implement those instructions. However, if the autonomous vehicle determines that implementing the instructions would not be safe and legal, it may execute the plan. During a training session, an autonomous vehicle may provide on a head-up display to the student certain visual feedback regarding a driving performance of the student.

Abstract: A UAV includes a fork lift system and a length component. The forklift system includes one or more elongated members extending at least partially in a horizontal direction. The forklift system also includes an extension mechanism configured to selectively retract and extend the one or more elongated members relative to an opposing surface. For example, the elongated members may include the tines of the fork or supporting member of the forklift system. The length component is configured to control the extension mechanism to adjust a distance between the opposing surface and the one or more elongated members to accommodate a payload.

Abstract: A UAV includes a fork lift system and a length component. The forklift system includes one or more elongated members extending at least partially in a horizontal direction. The forklift system also includes an extension mechanism configured to selectively retract and extend the one or more elongated members relative to an opposing surface. For example, the elongated members may include the tines of the fork or supporting member of the forklift system. The length component is configured to control the extension mechanism to adjust a distance between the opposing surface and the one or more elongated members to accommodate a payload.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using an autonomous vehicle to teach a student how to drive. The method may include generating, by the autonomous vehicle during a training session, a plan for navigating a section of road. During the training session, the autonomous vehicle may receive control instructions from the student regarding how the student would like to navigate the section of road. If the autonomous vehicle determines that implementing the instructions would be safe and legal, it may implement those instructions. However, if the autonomous vehicle determines that implementing the instructions would not be safe and legal, it may execute the plan. During a training session, an autonomous vehicle may provide on a head-up display to the student certain visual feedback regarding a driving performance of the student.

Abstract: A method for package delivery includes identifying a plurality of delivery locations for package delivery. The method includes determining a driving route for an automated ground vehicle to optimize delivery to the delivery locations using one or more automated aerial vehicles. The method includes controlling the automated ground vehicle to navigate the delivery route. The method further includes determining timing for release of the one or more automated aerial vehicles during navigation of the delivery route to deliver packages to the plurality of delivery locations.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting hazards in anticipation of opening vehicle doors. Vehicle sensors (e.g., rear viewing cameras) can be used to detect and classify traffic, for example, as pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters, wheel chair, etc., approaching on the side of a vehicle. When there is a possibility of a vehicle occupant opening a door into approaching traffic, a warning can be issued in the vehicle cabin to alert vehicle occupants of the approaching traffic. In one aspect, a vehicle prevents a door from opening if opening the door would likely cause an accident.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to an autonomous police vehicle are described. A method may involve a processor associated with an autonomous vehicle obtaining an indication of violation of one or more traffic laws by a first vehicle. The method may also involve the processor maneuvering the autonomous vehicle to pursue the first vehicle. The method may further involve the processor remotely executing one or more actions with respect to the first vehicle.

Abstract: Example ride control systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives a request to initiate a drive session to help a baby fall asleep in a vehicle. The method identifies a driving route for the drive session and implements the drive session by following the driving route. One or more vehicle-mounted sensors determine whether the baby in the vehicle has fallen asleep during the drive session.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting hazards in anticipation of opening vehicle doors. Vehicle sensors (e.g., rear viewing cameras) can be used to detect and classify traffic, for example, as pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters, wheel chair, etc., approaching on the side of a vehicle. When there is a possibility of a vehicle occupant opening a door into approaching traffic, a warning can be issued in the vehicle cabin to alert vehicle occupants of the approaching traffic. In one aspect, a vehicle prevents a door from opening if opening the door would likely cause an accident.

Abstract: Example accident attenuation systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method determines a speed of a second vehicle approaching from behind a first vehicle and determines a distance between the first and second vehicles. The method also determines whether the second vehicle can stop before colliding with the first vehicle. If the second vehicle cannot stop before colliding with the first vehicle, the method takes action to attenuate the potential collision by applying full brake force, tightening seat belts, and/or turning the front wheels of the first vehicle to direct the first vehicle away from oncoming traffic.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting hazards in anticipation of opening vehicle doors. Vehicle sensors (e.g., rear viewing cameras) can be used to detect and classify traffic, for example, as pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters, wheel chair, etc., approaching on the side of a vehicle. When there is a possibility of a vehicle occupant opening a door into approaching traffic, a warning can be issued in the vehicle cabin to alert vehicle occupants of the approaching traffic. In one aspect, a vehicle prevents a door from opening if opening the door would likely cause an accident.

Abstract: Example ride control systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives a request to initiate a drive session to help a baby fall asleep in a vehicle. The method identifies a driving route for the drive session and implements the drive session by following the driving route. One or more vehicle-mounted sensors determine whether the baby in the vehicle has fallen asleep during the drive session.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting hazards in anticipation of opening vehicle doors. Vehicle sensors (e.g., rear viewing cameras) can be used to detect and classify traffic, for example, as pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters, wheel chair, etc., approaching on the side of a vehicle. When there is a possibility of a vehicle occupant opening a door into approaching traffic, a warning can be issued in the vehicle cabin to alert vehicle occupants of the approaching traffic. In one aspect, a vehicle prevents a door from opening if opening the door would likely cause an accident.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to user notification via interior lighting for improved human-machine interface in vehicles are described. A method may involve a notification system of a vehicle receiving one or more signals each indicating a respective level of a plurality of levels of required user involvement required in operation of the vehicle. The method may also involve the notification system providing a visual notification with at least one aspect of the visual notification corresponding to the respective level of required user involvement indicated by each signal of the one or more signals.