Abstract: Compositions and methods for use in preventing conception or treating benign gynecological disorders, wherein an effective amount of an antiprogestational agent [e.g., progesterone (progestin, progestogen, gestagen) antagonist or progesterone synthesis inhibitor] administered over a first period of time is combined with an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time. The antiprogestational agent is selected from single agents or mixtures thereof. The progestogen is selected from single agents or mixtures of natural or synthetic progestogens. The formulations are effective as contraceptive agents and for treatment of benign gynecological disorders including uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electric motor by building the motor in one direction without the need to turn the motor end over end during the assembly process. The method includes providing a first housing section having motor control components preinstalled therein, and a shaft opening therein for the motor shaft; inserting the stator in the first housing section; temporarily inserting a jig into the stator to position the stator in the first housing section, and injecting a settable material between the stator and the first housing section to secure the stator within the first housing section. After the stator is secured, the jig is removed, and a rotor positioned in the stator, a fan is installed on the rotor, and a second housing section is interfit with the first housing section and the first and second housing sections are secured together.

Abstract: An overspeed guard for an electric motor centrifugal actuator closely conforms to the peripheral contour of the component parts of the actuator and prevents the component parts from separating from the centrifugal actuator on overspeed of the actuator.

Abstract: A guide device for use with a pulley block of the type utilized by utility lineman during installation of an electrical power line is disclosed. The guide device is a generally C-shaped member having inwardly converging curved leg members projecting from a body portion thereof. The guide device is permanently captured within the pulley block in its functional position wherein the C-shaped body member engages the pulley wheel to prevent a lightweight feeder line extending through the pulley block from slipping off the pulley wheel and becoming jammed in the installation process. Thus, the present guide device eliminates the need for repeated climbing of the power pole by the lineman during the process of feeding the power line through the pulley block thereby providing obvious economic advantages.

Abstract: A power sliding door for a motor vehicle comprises a door structure, a power drive assembly, a latch assembly, and a single motor for operating both the latch assembly and the power drive assembly. The door structure is mounted on a track associated with the motor vehicle, the door structure being movable along the track between opened and closed positions. The power drive assembly is connected with the door and capable of being driven to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions. The latch assembly is mounted on the door and movable between latched and unlatched positions. The single motor is mounted on the door structure operatively connected with both the power drive assembly and the latch assembly. The motor drives the power drive assembly and thus enables the power drive assembly to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: An apparatus protects an actuator from shock forces. The apparatus comprises an inertial latch that has two opposing latch members. In response to a force from a first direction, the first latch member operates to force the actuator to a predetermined position. In response to a force from an opposite direction the second latch member operates to force the actuator to the predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus protects an actuator from shock forces. The apparatus comprises an inertial latch that has two opposing latch members. In response to a force from a first direction, the first latch member operates to force the actuator to a predetermined position. In response to a force from an opposite direction the second latch member operates to force the actuator to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A printed circuit board can be used as a test card. The printed circuit board has a first image and a second image. The first image includes a first array pattern for attaching a package, a first power plane, and a first ground plane. The second image includes a second array pattern for attaching a package, a second power plane, and a second ground plane. A first routing area between the first image and the second image electrically and physically isolates the first power plane from the second power plane. The first routing area also physically isolates the first ground plane from the second ground plane. A first single trace extends through the first routing area. The first single trace electrically connects the first ground plane to the second ground plane.

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for intercepting the input of a system (23) of an internal combustion engine (12) normally provided to a solenoid valve (22) for actuating a fan clutch (20). A pressure switch (24) is provided in the pressure line between the solenoid valve (22) and the fan clutch (20). The input is received by terminals (27, 28) and is passed on to a transistor (53) which turns on and allows current flow to the solenoid valve (22) during a first period of time. If a second transistor (48) turns on because the pressure switch (24) remains open as a set point is not sensed in the pressure line and does not discharge a time delay circuit formed by a combination of a resistor (44) and a capacitor (46), then the voltage of the gate of the first transistor (53) is pulled down to turn the transistor (53) off and interrupt the current flow to the solenoid valve (22).

Abstract: A power take-off release mechanism for automatically disengaging a power take-off unit and accessory equipment powered thereby is disclosed. The power take-off release mechanism interconnects a clutch foot pedal mechanism of a vehicle having a manual transmission to a throw out arm on the power take-off unit. The power take-off unit includes a mechanical cable linkage which functions to engage the power take-off unit in a conventional manner. Thereafter, whenever the manual clutch foot pedal is depressed to put the vehicle in gear under normal driving conditions, the power take-of mechanism of the present invention is automatically actuated to disengage the power take-off unit thereby preventing the same from being operated at higher engine revolutions under normal driving conditions. In one embodiment, the power take-off release mechanism includes a mechanical cable linkage that interconnects the clutch foot pedal with the mechanical throw out arm on the power take off unit.

Abstract: A guide tool for performing a work function step such as cutting or drawing a line along a workpiece including a guide plate having planar opposite sides, a longitudinal slot, a first straight guide edge substantially parallel with the slot, guide flanges along opposite sides of the slot defining a guide channel on a first side of the guide plate, and two clamps adapted for assembly with guide plate, the clamps having a first jaw including a guide member slidable along the guide plate channel and a second jaw extendable through the guide plate slot and a pressure plate for securing the clamps to a workpiece along opposite sides of the workpiece, and clamp handles formed integral with the jaws and spring biased apart to urge the jaws together for clamping the guide plate to the workpiece, and the clamp handles being positioned in spaced relation from the first side of the guide plate for ready access by a user from the first side of the guide plate when the clamps are assembled with the guide plate and the gui

Abstract: An improved drill stand is provided which includes a stand column slidably connected to a bearer unit so that the position or height of the bearer unit with respect to the stand column may be adjusted. The bearer unit includes a gear segment which is biased toward the retracted position by a reset spring. The gear segment is meshed with a geared slide rod. The geared slide rod may be disposed parallel to or perpendicular to the stand column. The slide rod is connected to a machine receiving part. Rotation of the gear segment with respect to the bearer unit against the bias of the reset spring results in movement of the slide rod in the machine receiving part towards an extended position. The machine receiving part is also connected to a bit stop rail. The bit stop rail is connected to a bit stop. The position of the bit stop along the bit stop rail is also adjustable. Movement of the machine receiving part towards the extended position is limited by engagement of the bit stop with the bearer unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tracking a feature on a target surface and continually providing analog corrections to tracking mirrors in real time by utilizing a low-power incoherent tracking beam to detect the movements of a reference feature on the target and confocal reflectometry to monitor the reflection from the tracking beam's current position are described.

Abstract: A process challenge device tailored to mimic the resistance of a particular product to a particular biological inactivation, disinfection, or sterilization process, and used to challenge the process, thus providing a means to validate the efficacy of the process. The process challenge device is used by subjecting the device containing indicator organisms to an inactivation or sterilization process, and culturing any surviving indicator organisms as a means to assess the efficacy of procedures for the inactivation of microorganisms. The device includes a biological indicator organism stored on a carrier substrate enclosed within a chamber formed by a barrier film material. The specific indicator organism and carrier substrate are chosen for their appropriateness for a given process. The materials comprising the barrier film material of the process challenge device are chosen for the materials' specific resistance to the given process.

Abstract: An image sensing device comprising active pixels is disclosed, each pixel having a charge accumulation region for collecting charges generated by a photosensitive element such as a photodiode. Fixed pattern noise is minimized by utilizing a reference current to reset the pixels and to generate an output current signal.

Abstract: An homogenization valve design yields improved homogenization efficiency. The length of the valve surface relative to the valve seat or land is controlled so that the overlap is limited. This allows convergence between turbulent mixing layers and a homogenization zone. Preferably some overlap is provided, however, to contribute to the stability of the valves and avoid destructive chattering.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for handling, storing, transporting and dispensing cryogenic fluids, liquid natural gas, compressed natural gas, and their equivalents. A fuel injection system is disclosed for directly injecting LNG into an engine's combustion chamber. Such systems include a railroad system in which a container of fuel is carried on a flat car behind a locomotive and the, e.g. liquid natural gas, is conveyed to the locomotive with appropriate valves, conduits, pumps, and controls. In one aspect a fuel fluid, liquid, or vapor is injected into an intake (e.g., an air intake) of an engine. In one aspect a fueling station has been invented for providing services of dispensing LNG and/or CNG for engines.

Abstract: A telecommunications switch (12) includes a dial plan database (300) used for creating, identifying, and verifying dial plan codes and dialing sequences of a desire dial plan (100). The dial plan (100) is created through a craft terminal (201) that communicates with a craft interface (200) of the telecommunications switch (12). The telecommunications switch (12) uses dial plans created and stored within the dial plan database (300) in performing a digit parsing routine. The digit parsing routine identifies dial plan codes and dialing sequences through digit collection by systematically eliminating possible dial plan codes until one is identified. The identified dial plan code is processed by performing valid or error actions associated with the identified dial plan code. The digit parsing routine continues with an incoming call until it has been appropriately handled and awaits for the next incoming call digits to be received.

Abstract: A key cylinder, upon receiving a valid key, inserted through the key cylinder, is disengaged from a cylinder lock enabling the key and the key cylinder to be rotated between two positions. During rotation, an arm on the key cylinder engages a contact carrier to switch a contactor mounted on the carrier between two positions breaking one contact and subsequently making another contact. The contacts provide output signals to a vehicle passenger restraint apparatus to selectively alternatively place the passenger restraint apparatus in an "on" or "off" state.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior object detector apparatus includes a transmitter and receiver carried within a housing and mounted by a holder to a support on the vehicle. A heater element is carried in the holder in surrounding relationship with one end of the transmitter and receiver housing for melting ice and snow build up on the end of the housing for proper operation of the transmitter and receiver.