Abstract: The invention provides systems, including a methods and apparatus, for providing seamless telephone service across MSC's that support multiple or different protocols. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the home mobile switching center, where the subscriber record is stored, is equipped to respond to a first inquiry signal from an originating mobile switching center by identifying itself to the originating mobile switching center. The incoming call may then be trunked to the home mobile switching center and forwarded to the visited mobile switching center according to the second protocol. According to another preferred embodiment, in response to the first inquiry signal, the home mobile switching center sends a second inquiry signal to the visited mobile switching center. The first inquiry signal represents a request for an identification number identifying, in the first protocol, the visited mobile switching center.

Abstract: A system for delivering an ordered item to a location where no one is available to receive the item, including a key locked storage box provided at the location in addition to a key receptacle at the location having a lock openable with a settable code. When delivery of an item is ordered, a code is assigned, and the code is printed on a label affixed to the item, a peel off security strip overlaid onto the assigned code imprint. The delivery person removes the strip when at the location and enters the code into the key receptacle lock to obtain the key necessary to open the box and place the item therein. A bar code strip in the box provides location data when scanned to enable verification of a successful delivery.

Abstract: A structure-forming construction element for a toy log building set, such as those sold under the well known “Lincoln Logs”. The construction element, typically a molding of plastic material, is formed with a plurality of adjacent sockets for the reception and gripping of log elements in parallel, side-by-side relation. In a typical form, the construction element is positioned on a support, and the log elements are oriented vertically in the sockets provided. A second, similar construction element may be placed on top of the upper ends of the logs. Side walls of the sockets can be notched to provide a castellated appearance, such that a structure with vertically spaced construction elements and vertical log elements has the appearance of a castle tower.

Abstract: A panel, formed of molded plastic material in a variety of polygonal geometric configurations, for incorporation into structures built with K'NEX construction toy sets. The panels include elements, typically formed at corners thereof, corresponding in size and shape to rod elements of the construction set and adapted for lateral snap-in assembly with connector elements of the toy set. At least one pair of corner elements is aligned along a common axis and the end-to-end distance between the elements of such pair corresponds with the length of a standard rod element in the construction set so as to be capable of substitution for a rod element in a structure of K'NEX components. The panels serve both aesthetic and structural functions in the assembly.