Abstract: The present invention is the use of a compound comprising two or more covalently bonded polymerisable vinyl groups and one or more covalently bonded ionic groups selected from a quaternary ammonium group; a quaternary phosphonium group; or a tertiary sulphonium group, as an ionic cross-linker. The cross-linkers of the invention may be used to form an ionomer membrane. Methods for forming the cross-linkers of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is the use of a compound comprising two or more covalently bonded polymerisable vinyl groups and one or more covalently bonded ionic groups selected from a quaternary ammonium group; a quaternary phosphonium group; or a tertiary sulphonium group, as an ionic cross-linker. The cross-linkers of the invention may be used to form an ionomer membrane. Methods for forming the cross-linkers of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymeric ionomer obtainable by reacting, in a solvent, components comprising a polymer and an ionic component selected from a strong acid or a strong base. The present invention also comprises methods of forming such membranes.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymeric ionomer obtainable by reacting, in a solvent, components comprising a polymer and an ionic component selected from a strong acid or a strong base. The present invention also comprises methods of forming such membranes.

Abstract: A method and process of a Registrar creating unique Equipment Tags for use of one or more Equipment owners wherein there is no duplication of Tags among the participating Equipment owners. The Equipment owner requests the Tag and its registration as a service over the Internet or other network in the same way as a Client might request a URL from a domain registration agency. The Registrar receives payment in exchange for receiving the exclusive right to use the Tags from the Registrar's System. The Tags are the product of the Registrar's System. The processor may utilize a Tag generator. The Tags are generated upon instruction of software operating on the computer processor. The Tags may be issued for an identified piece of Equipment. Information regarding the Equipment may be entered on the Tag Register. The Tag and Equipment information is stored in the Tag Register interfacing with the computer processor. The Equipment owner receives exclusive use of the Tag for a fixed period of time.

Abstract: A home agent, attached to a home network, receives, adapts and forwards messages intended for a mobile node attached to one of a plurality foreign networks. The home agent, having received a message, passes the message on to a processing unit to assess whether the message should be adapted so as to be compatible with the destination foreign network and to adapt the message accordingly. The adapted message is returned to the home agent to be encapsulated and tunnelled to a foreign agent attached to the destination foreign network. The foreign agent decapsulates the message and passes it on to the mobile node. This method has the advantage that the mobile node is able to receive messages regardless of the type of network to which it is attached.

Abstract: A Slide for musical stringed instruments which includes a globular shaped body made of a material, such as glass, brass, or metal, designed to illicit specific sounds when placed in contact with a string of a musical instrument, a finger ring, and a means to connect the finger ring to the globular shaped body, such means allowing the finger to bend normally. A second embodiment has a tapered cylindrical form for the body.