Abstract: Heptapeptide analogues or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof consist of a hexapeptide moiety S and a C-terminal .beta.-aminoalcohol residue Z bound to the moiety S by an amide bond, wherein the .beta.-aminoalcohol Z is --NR--CH(Q)--CH.sub.2 OH, Q is (CH.sub.2).sub.n --NH--A is H or --C(.dbd.NH)NH.sub.2, and R is CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5, and the moiety S wherein H is a D-aromatic .alpha.-aminoacid and Y is an aliphatic .alpha.-aminoacid and have oxytocin antagonist activity. Also disclosed is: a method of their synthesis; pharmaceutical compositions containing these analogues; the synthesis of such compositions; a method of control of uterine contractions.

Abstract: A ride-on toy vehicle for a pre-school child, the vehicle having a soft and compressible body which functions as a saddle. The body of the toy resembles an animal such as a sea turtle, or a familiar vehicle such as an ice cream truck. The body is mounted on a wheeled chassis whereby a child astride the body and holding onto a rein attached thereto can push and propel the ride-on vehicle with his feet. The chassis which accommodates the body includes parallel side walls having front and rear-end bearing holes. Bridging the parallel walls and passing through the front end bearing holes to join a pair of front wheels is a front axle. Bridging the parallel walls and passing through the rear end bearing holes to join a pair of rear wheels is a rear axle. The underside of the body is provided with front and rear channel pieces, the front axle extending through the front channel piece and the rear axle extending through the rear channel piece, thereby anchoring the body on the chassis.

Abstract: A probe cover for use with an IR thermometer includes a cover comprising a conical sidewall and an infrared transmissive window at its tip. A bushing is inserted into the interior of the tip of the cover to produce an outward radial force against the adjacent sidewall. The bushing flattens the film membrane forming the window and thus enhances distortion free transmission of IR radiation.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling small flows of gas, such as would be used by a satellite (or microsatellite) for orientation thrusters includes a photoetched silicon body etched to provide one or more particular flow paths, and optionally filters, where the flow path is defined by the silicon body and a sealing glass layer bonded thereto. Flow is controlled through the flow path(s) by heating the body to decrease the gas flow.

Abstract: A unitary assembly that clusters a mirror, a lipstick and a cosmetic pencil, making it possible to store these items as a unit in a purse so that they are readily accessible to a user. The assembly is provided with a rectangular plastic frame on whose front face is supported the mirror. Projecting from the rear of the frame are end jaws adjacent opposite sides of the frame and an intermediate jaw between the end jaws. One end jaw in conjunction with the intermediate jaw acts as a flexible clip to clamp the lipstick to the frame. The other end jaw in conjunction with the intermediate jaw acts as a flexible clip to clamp the cosmetic pencil to the frame. The end jaws also function as a handle for the mirror so that as the user holds the mirror with one hand, and looks into it she can with her other hand grasping the lipstick or the cosmetic pencil, then apply color to her lips.

Abstract: An automobile having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels provided with run-flat tires. The front tired wheels which are steerable are driven through a power transmission by an engine housed between these wheels. The tired front wheels are relatively narrow in width to make room for a large engine and are relatively large in diameter to afford a more favorable power transmission ratio and improved steering control. The tired rear-wheels are broad in width and small in diameter to enhance the tire-to-road surface area for more effective braking and to allow for an enlarged trunk capacity.

Abstract: Methods are provided for ameliorating various effects of UVA and UVB radiation from the sun, comprising administering compositions including an ingredient that prevents photoaging from MED and subMED radiation, such as a retinoid, certain other compounds (such as N-acetylcysteine, 2-furildioxime, and vitamin C) and optionally other MMP inhibitors such as tetracyclines and/or compounds that inhibit the P-450-mediated metabolism of retinoids such as ketoconazole and other azole compounds. In the method, the composition is applied prior to exposure to the sun; depending upon the ingredients used in the composition, application should be from 7 to 48 hours prior to exposure. Compounds that prevent erythema (skin reddening, sunburn) do not necessarily protect against UV-mediated elevation of MMP levels and activity, and similarly compounds that prevent UV-mediated elevation of MMP levels and activity are not necessarily effective against UV-induced erythema.

Abstract: Behind the watch case (3; 5, 7, 9) is a retaining means (11) which is hinged at one end (17) to said case by a hinge (13) extending transversely with respect to the line of the strap (C), at a limited distance from the rear surface of said case in order to allow the strap to be passed through; said retaining means (11) can be closed against the case in order to grip the strap (which is thus easy to replace) and is positionable at a limited angle with respect to the case, such that it can be stood on a surface like a little table-top clock.

Abstract: For efficient waxing of the running surface of a workpiece such as a snowboard, one or more skis, or a toboggan, the invention provides a single wax-heating element in the form of an elongate flexible sheet sized to fully cover the running surface when upside down and horizontally oriented. The single sheet of the heating element also provides articulating connection between an array of like transverse elements which gravitationally load the heating element sheet into self-adapting conformance with flat and convexly curved features of the workpiece, so that a wax-laden sheet draped over the running surface of the workpiece can be gravitationally loaded by the heating element sheet.

Abstract: An intramedullary cavity nail for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures, comprises a solid elongate body with a proximal portion (2) having at least one transverse bore for accommodating a corresponding screw (9, 10) for stabilizing the femoral neck, the proximal portion being joined to a distal portion (3) having at least one distal bore (16) for accommodating at least one diaphysis screw for stabilizing the distal part of the femur. The proximal portion (2) has a substantially constant diameter (.phi..sub.p) adapted to be stably anchored in a relatively limited length bore of the femur for reducing blood losses, while said distal portion (3) has a substantially constant diameter (.phi..sub.d) which is less than that of said proximal portion, for ease of insertion in the medullary canal of the femur without any drilling. The proximal and distal portions (2, 3) are substantially rectilinear and form between themselves a predetermined deviation angle (.beta.) in a lateral plane.

Abstract: In a high-pressure shut-off valve, in particular for a hydraulic pressure system having a relatively high liquid delivery rate, the pressure device of the valve body has a plurality of back support rings arranged as a stack and moveable essentially in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the shut-off pressure, forces the valve body onto the valve seat, such that neighboring back support rings bear against one another, causing the valve body to lift from the valve seat, whereas in the shut-off position, the neighboring back support rings inside the hydraulic system, which is under a relatively high shut-off pressure, are at a slight spacing from one another.

Abstract: To provide a cold-cathode tube lighting circuit which quickly and smoothly carries out lighting of a cold-cathode tube and prevents damage of a piezoelectric transformer as an inverter transform in the lighting circuit, the lighting circuit is provided with a protection circuit for detecting a primary current of the piezoelectric transformer. The protection circuit stops operation of an oscillator for driving the piezoelectric transformer when the primary current is excessive. The protection circuit may be provided to detect excess of a secondary voltage of the piezoelectric transformer. When the cold-cathode tube is used as a backlight for a liquid crystal display driven by the use of a scanning frequency, a dimmer circuit is used for producing a dimmer signal with a dimmer frequency and a controlled duty ratio given by a manual selector for controlling start and stop of the oscillator according to a desired brightness of the backlight.

Abstract: A method for the production of a dye scavening substrate which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a cellulosic substrate; (b) passing the substrate through a bath containing an alkaline solution of an N-trisubstituted ammonium 2-hydroxy-3-halopropyl compound having general formula (I) or a salt of epoxy propyl ammonium having general formula (II), wherein X is a halogen radical, Y is a chloride, bromide, sulfate or sulfonate, and the R's are methyl, ethyl, butyl or benzyl groups or an hydroxyl substituted derivative thereof; (c) subjecting the substrate to a pressure of between 0.69-1.37 MPa (100-200 psi); (d) heating the substrate to a temperature of approximately 35.degree. C.; (e) wrapping the substrate in a water impermeable material and rotating the material at a temperature of between 15.degree. C. and 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A computer system for managing a plurality of accounts, each of the accounts being separated into a master account and at least one subaccount associated therewith, and at least one subaccount being a medical savings account (MSA). Each subaccount incorporates a subset of features available for the master account, the features corresponding to the specific needs dictated by the purpose of the subaccount. The purpose of a subaccount, in addition to being an MSA, can include regular payments (e.g., mortgage and other loans), credit/debit card, retirement account, and the like.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of this invention, provided in the cap body of a helmet is an air exhaust passage, the foremost end of which is near the upper end of the inner surface of a shield plate and, in accordance with another aspect of this invention, both an air exhaust passage and an air supply passage are provided in the cap body of a helmet and both can open and close with a common shutter. According to this helmet, a draft necessary for the defogging of the inner surface of the shield plate, the ventilation of the inside of the cap body and so forth can be effectively produced despite its simple structure.

Abstract: A removable insert which is used to frame and protect personal photographs and the like for use in conventional wallets.

Abstract: An orthopaedic apparatus, particularly for the surgical correction of angular and longitudinal defects of the bones of limbs, of the femur and tibia type, comprising a longitudinal rod externally positionable substantially parallel to a bone for correction, a first clamp movably anchored to the rod for supporting drilling guides for screws insertable in a proximal portion of the bone, and at least one second clamp movably anchored to the rod for supporting drilling guides for screws insertable in a distal portion of the bone. The first and second clamps are orientable and selectively lockable, before the surgical intervention, in predetermined angular positions with respect to the rod corresponding to the angular deformations of the bone, and are repositionable with respect to the rod in correct angular positions after the osteosynthesis for the proximal and distal portions of the bone so as to eliminate the angular deformations of the bone.

Abstract: A multi-purpose data processing system that is capable of going on-line to provide an operative link with established financial markets in support of subscriber trading. The system has two modes of operation. A first mode is directed to support for financial transactions or services that are necessary, but not critical. The second mode addresses a lost trading link from a primary trading system pursuant to a catastrophic event, and provides a remote trading platform to a plurality of pre-select traders. The second mode is accessible via disaster declaration, and the system permits custom terminal configuration in accordance with designated traders. Operation allows quick assess to markets when the primary market link outlet is down.

Abstract: The laser alignment tool includes a laser beam emitter supported in a projector assembly which, when mounted on a precision alignment component, such as a pulley, is directed at a target assembly mounted on another precision alignment component. The plate of the target assembly against which the laser beam is directed is coated, textured or the like (e.g., has inscribed cross hairs) to produce a distinctive visual effect when struck by the laser with the precision alignment components in the correct or preselected alignment relative to one another. Moreover, if the precision alignment components are not in the correct or preselected alignment, impingement of the laser beam against the target plate does not produce the distinctive visual effect. The target plate may be contoured such that the distinctive visual effect indicates that the precision alignment components are in the correct or preselected alignment relative to one another in additional orientation planes.

Abstract: An integrated laser/modulator ("ILM") operating with reduced chirping is formed on a single semiconductor substrate. A reduction in chirping and any resultant wavelength dispersion is realized by precisely controlling the length of a window region incorporated in the ILM in order to isolate the ILM's active regions from any residual reflections.