Abstract: An aspect includes receiving, by a computer processor, a sign up request from a mobile device for a message service. The message service is configured to distribute messages spanning a time period that corresponds to an event at which the mobile device is present. A further aspect includes determining, during the course of the time period, an occurrence of a condition for triggering a first message and sending the first message to the mobile device during the time period using a wireless internet browser based protocol. The first message is transmitted over a wireless network. A further aspect includes cancelling the message service at the expiration of the time period.

Abstract: Dynamically establishing a temporary safe evacuation route away from an unsafe situation using unmanned vehicles. The temporary safe evacuation route is determined based on real-time information regarding the unsafe situation. A network of unmanned vehicles are deployed and positioned at determined points along the safe evacuation route. Guidance is provided to the network of unmanned vehicles for display along the safe evacuation route by the unmanned vehicle to aid people in evacuating from the unsafe situation. Information in real time regarding the unsafe situation may be received from the unmanned vehicles. Based on the information received, the safe evacuation route may be adjusted.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a package transport container for a UAV includes a manifest device having a computer processor, a receptacle including a base that secures contents of the receptacle, a locking mechanism that couples the manifest device to the receptacle during transport, and a connector coupling the manifest device to the UAV. The processor transmits material properties of the contents of the receptacle to the UAV, receives routing information for a package to be transported, monitors coordinates of the package transport container during transport, and upon determining the coordinates match coordinates of a delivery location specified in the routing information: sends a release request signal to the UAV to release the receptacle; receives a release command from the UAV; and disengages the locking mechanism to release the manifest device from the base. The routing information is determined at least in part based on the material properties of the contents.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a distributed package transport system includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), each of which is configured to transport packages within a geographic area and along a travel route. The system also includes UAV enclosures dispersed within the geographic area. The UAV enclosures include a number of cells, each of which provides a receptacle to temporarily house a UAV. At least one of the UAV enclosures is dynamically assigned to a location within the geographic area. Each of the UAV enclosures includes a computer processor and communication network interface and, for each of the UAVs in transit, the UAV enclosures communicate information specifying an origination point, drop off point, and return point amongst each other and coordinate to define, based on locations of the UAV enclosures and capacities of the UAV enclosures, a refined travel route including a subset of the UAV enclosures to serve as hops.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided that is capable of flying between a pick up point and a delivery point with respect to a package transfer operation. The delivery point is identifiable by the UAV through global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the delivery point and verification of a device identifier of a package docking device (PDD) associated with a package transfer request. A control processor coupled to the UAV receives a transaction packet for the operation that includes the GPS coordinates and the device identifier of the PDD associated with the request. Upon arrival of the UAV at the delivery point, the control processor verifies that a device identifier of a PDD located at the delivery point matches the device identifier in the transaction packet, implements the package transfer operation, and transmits confirmation of completion of the operation to an originator of the request.

Abstract: A process (10) for synthesising hydrocarbons includes feeding a gaseous feedstock (18) comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, into a first Fischer-Tropsch reaction stage (12) which is a three-phase low temperature catalytic Fischer-Tropsch reaction stage, and allowing the hydrogen and carbon monoxide partially to react catalytically in the first reaction stage (12) to form hydrocarbons. At least a portion of a tail gas (32) which includes unreacted hydrogen and carbon monoxide obtained from the first reaction stage, is fed into a second Fischer-Tropsch reaction stage (42) which is a two-phase high temperature catalytic Fischer-Tropsch reaction stage. The hydrogen and carbon monoxide are allowed at least partially to react catalytically in the second reaction stage (42) to form gaseous hydrocarbons.