Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and software for accessing location based Internet services by automatically populating DNS tables with subscriber location information. The DNS tables are updated responsive to information provided on subscriber call set-up. The location may be derived directly for the content of the call set-up, or may be derived in conjunction with one or more pre-existing databases. Ideally the DNS entry is a mapping from IP address (or subnet address) to location, though a mapping from domain name to location will also be effective. When a location based service is requested by a subscriber, the requested service may interrogate the DNS table to retrieve the requesting user's location without requiring further subscriber intervention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to building structures that are floatable so that damage is reduced in the event of a flood. A sealed floor structure is described such that the entire superstructure can float under the influence of flood waters. The floor structure is supported above grade upon corbels and thence by a series of columns disposed around the perimeter of the building. The perimeter columns generally lie outside the superstructure envelope and continue up to or beyond the eaves level of the structure. As the building floats vertically these columns, via a sleeve mechanism, act to limit any horizontal movement of the structure. Mechanisms incorporated within the columns and floor structure limit the upward travel of the structure under the influence of flood waters.

Abstract: A method for rounding corners of a silicon substrate, in accordance with the present invention, includes forming a plateau on a silicon substrate having corners at edges of the plateau. A mask is formed on a top surface of the plateau, which is recessed back from vertical edges of the plateau to provide exposed horizontal portions. Fluorine or Argon dopants are implanted at the corners and on the exposed portions, and the substrate is oxidized such that the corners become rounded providing a gradual transition at the edges of the plateau.

Abstract: A immunoassay based on the detection of leukocyte-elastase produced fibrinogen cleavage peptides which allows the evaluation of the potency of compounds that inhibit formation of cleavage peptides in a variety of in vitro cell biological situations is provided. The assay may be employed to detect an endogenous leukocyte-elastase produced fibrinogen cleavage peptide signal in normal human plasma and at elevated levels in cystic fibrosis plasma and in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid samples. The assay procedure can be a single step assay which allows for the rapid and reproducible detection of specific cleavage peptides.

Abstract: The reaction of compounds of the formula:X.sub.2 O.sub.3 P CHY CZ.sub.2where Y and each Z are each H, PO.sub.3 X.sub.2, SO.sub.3 X or CO.sub.2 X (e.g. vinyl phosphonic acid or vinylidene diphosphonic acid) with hypophosphorous acid in the presence of free radicals provides novel compounds X.sub.2 O.sub.3 PCHYCZ.sub.2 PO.sub.2 XH which react with monomers such as vinyl sulphonate, vinyl phosphonate, vinylidene diphosphonate and acrylic acid to form telomers useful for scale inhibition, especially barium scale in oil wells. The polymers show better absorption to rock than PVSA and better thermal stability than random copolymers containing equivalent phosphorus.

Abstract: Phosphonic acid polymers are prepared from di- or polyphosphonic acids having one or more unsaturated C.dbd.C bonds (e.g. vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid), either as homopolymers or as higher polymers with at least one further compound having unsaturated C.dbd.C bonds (e.g. acrylic acid). The polymers can be used as, or in connection with, flame-retardants, corrosion inhibitors, coatings, cements and ion exchange resins.

Abstract: A display card 5 for tools 1 having belt hooks 4 comprises a card 5 of foldable material. The card 5 is slotted so as to form a flap 2 and a tongue 6. The flap 2 is adapted to admit the belt hook 4 of the tool 1. The tongue 6 is adapted so as to be folded towards the flap 2. The tongue 6 is hingedly connected to the card 5, and comprises a tab 3 which is inverted when the tongue 1 is folded towards the flap 2.

Abstract: A container suitable for containing liquids, comprising an inner vessel, an opening out of which contents of the inner vessel may be dispensed, a closure for sealing the opening and a jacket of heat insulating material surrounding the inner vessel. A portion of the heat insulating material is movable from a closed position where it extends over the opening to an open position, substantially without exposing the inner vessel to the outside environment so as to enable the contents to be dispensed from the container. The container further comprises a dispensing tube which, in use, extends into the inner vessel and a recess in the insulating material in which the dispensing tube may be located when not in use.

Abstract: A battery powered lamp includes a two-part rigid casing comprising a hollow body with an end cap removably attached to the body and a water impermeable sock of flexible resilient material designed to fully enclose the body and partially enclose the end cap. The sock includes an annular rib trapped between the body and its attached cap.