Abstract: The present invention provides contraceptive regimens in which a female is administered a combined dosage form of estrogen and progestin followed by a period of administration of estrogen. The disclosed contraceptive regimens can be administered to a female as a method of providing non-contraceptive benefits.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for preparing chlorodifluoroacetyl fluoride (CDAF) by oxidation of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) in a solvent using a continuously stirred tank reactor. It provides a process for the production of chlorodifluoroacetyl fluoride by comprises reacting a solvent solution of chlorotrifluoroethylene with oxygen in a reactor to form a product which comprises chlorodifluoroacetyl fluoride. The reacting may be conducted in a continuous or batch mode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network such as the existence of a remotely powerable device attached to a connecting medium of the computer network. Such detection can then control whether a remote power source (e.g., a data communications device such as a switch) provides remote power (e.g., phantom power) to the computer network. One arrangement of the invention is directed to an apparatus for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network. The apparatus includes a signal generator, a detector and a controller which is coupled to the signal generator and the detector. The controller configures the signal generator to provide a test signal to a connecting medium of the computer network, and configures the detector to measure a response signal from the connecting medium of the computer network.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network such as the existence of a remotely powerable device attached to a connecting medium of the computer network. Such detection can then control whether a remote power source (e.g., a data communications device such as a switch) provides remote power (e.g., phantom power) to the computer network. One arrangement of the invention is directed to an apparatus for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network. The apparatus includes a signal generator, a detector and a controller which is coupled to the signal generator and the detector. The controller configures the signal generator to provide a test signal to a connecting medium of the computer network, and configures the detector to measure a response signal from the connecting medium of the computer network.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network such as the existence of a remotely powerable device attached to a connecting medium of the computer network. Such detection can then control whether a remote power source (e.g., a data communications device such as a switch) provides remote power (e.g., phantom power) to the computer network. One arrangement of the invention is directed to an apparatus for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network. The apparatus includes a signal generator, a detector and a controller which is coupled to the signal generator and the detector. The controller configures the signal generator to provide a test signal to a connecting medium of the computer network, and configures the detector to measure a response signal from the connecting medium of the computer network.

Abstract: This invention consists of a Level Sensing Device and Hydraulic Control Valve, which, when, as a team, is applied to a system with a Hydraulic Pump W/Oil Reservoir, three or four Hydraulic Jacks, three or four Normally-Open Solenoid-Operated In-Line Hydraulic Valves, and piped and wired as described in this document, will provide a completely automatic leveling system for Recreational Vehicles, such as, Motorhomes, Pick-up Campers, and Camping Trailers. This Leveling Sensor/Switch and Hydraulic Control Valve can also be retro-fit into any exsisting manually-operated or semi-automatic hydraulic leveling system and, as a team, make it a completely automatic leveling system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network such as the existence of a remotely powerable device attached to a connecting medium of the computer network. Such detection can then control whether a remote power source (e.g., a data communications device such as a switch) provides remote power (e.g., phantom power) to the computer network. One arrangement of the invention is directed to an apparatus for discovering a powerability condition of a computer network. The apparatus includes a signal generator, a detector and a controller which is coupled to the signal generator and the detector. The controller configures the signal generator to provide a test signal to a connecting medium of the computer network, and configures the detector to measure a response signal from the connecting medium of the computer network.

Abstract: A system comprised of a parent and child unit perform multiple position-dependent functions. The parent and child unit each comprises a directional antenna, power source, transceiver, processor and memory. The processor is coupled to the transceiver to control transmission and reception in each unit according to a predetermined stored protocol. The parent unit has a directional antenna and the child unit has an omnidirectional antenna. The transceivers in the units bidirectionally communicate to automatically perform one or more of the multiple position-dependent functions including electronic leash, finder, and proximity functions. Typically, a plurality of child units bidirectionally communicate with the parent unit to automatically perform the multiple position-dependent functions over a plurality of frequencies, by means of a plurality of different digital codes or both. The invention also comprises a method comprised of the steps necessary for performing the functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small umbrella (“Beerbrella”) which may be removably attached to a beverage container in order to shade the beverage container from the direct rays of the sun. The apparatus comprises a small umbrella approximately five to seven inches in diameter, although other appropriate sizes may be used within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Suitable advertising and/or logos may be applied to the umbrella surface for promotional purposes. The umbrella may be attached to the beverage container by any one of a number of means, including clip, strap, cup, foam insulator, or as a coaster or the like. The umbrella shaft may be provided with a pivot to allow the umbrella to be suitably angled to shield the sun or for aesthetic purposes. In one embodiment, a pivot joint and counterweight may be provided to allow the umbrella to pivot out of the way when the user drinks from the container.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing mechanism contained in a handle of a cleaning implement. The handle includes internal upper and lower valve assemblies sealably mounted within the handle to provide an air tight chamber therebetween for holding liquid. The upper valve assembly includes a push button actuator for introducing air into the chamber. The lower valve assembly includes a dispensing outlet for discharging the liquid from the chamber. When air is introduced into the air tight chamber through the upper valve assembly, a corresponding amount of liquid is dispensed from the chamber and out from the handle through the dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing mechanism contained in a handle of a cleaning implement. The handle includes internal upper and lower valve assemblies sealably mounted within the handle to provide an air tight chamber therebetween for holding liquid. The upper valve assembly includes a push button actuator for introducing air into the chamber. The lower valve assembly includes a dispensing outlet for discharging the liquid from the chamber. When air is introduced into the air tight chamber through the upper valve assembly, a corresponding amount of liquid is dispensed from the chamber and out from the handle through the dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing mechanism contained in a handle of a cleaning implement. The handle includes internal upper and lower valve assemblies sealably mounted within the handle to provide an air tight chamber therebetween for holding liquid. The upper valve assembly includes a push button actuator for introducing air into the chamber. The lower valve assembly includes a dispensing outlet for discharging the liquid from the chamber. When air is introduced into the air tight chamber through the upper valve assembly, a corresponding amount of liquid is dispensed from the chamber and out from the handle through the dispensing outlet.

Abstract: Sunscreens are colored with oil-soluble dyes approved for use in skin care products (such as sunscreens, lotions, etc.). The color imparted by the dyes substantially disappears shortly after the sunscreen emulsion is applied to skin. This colored sunscreen emulsion includes a oil-soluble phase, at least one sunscreen active agent, water, and an emulsifier. The oil-soluble phase comprises from about 0.0005 to about 0.5 percent by weight of the complete emulsion of at least one oil-soluble dye. The dye imparts a color other than white to the sunscreen emulsion.The sunscreen active ingredient is provided in an amount effective to protect against the actinic radiation of the sun. Sufficient water is provided to form the colored emulsion. The emulsion additionally contains at least one emulsifier in an amount effective to provide an at least substantially stable emulsion. Other optional ingredients may also be compounded into the sunscreen formulations.

Abstract: Sunscreens are colored with oil-soluble dyes approved for use in skin care products (such as sunscreens, lotions, etc.). The color imparted by the dyes substantially disappears shortly after the sunscreen emulsion is applied to skin. This colored sunscreen emulsion includes a oil-soluble phase, at least one sunscreen active agent, water, and an emulsifier. The oil-soluble phase comprises from about 0.0005 to about 0.5 percent by weight of the complete emulsion of at least one oil-soluble dye. The dye imparts a color other than white to the sunscreen emulsion.The sunscreen active ingredient is provided in an amount effective to protect against the actinic radiation of the sun. Sufficient water is provided to form the colored emulsion. The emulsion additionally contains at least one emulsifier in an amount effective to provide an at least substantially stable emulsion. Other optional ingredients may also be compounded into the sunscreen formulations.

Abstract: A method for acquiring data from voxels in a contour of tissue includes positioning the tissue in a magnetic field. For the present method, a z-gradient is imposed on the contour tissue to spread the spectrum of all of the voxels over a same range of Larmor frequencies. Additionally, voxels in the contour tissue are selectively encoded with different x-gradients and y-gradients to distinguish the various voxels from each other. In the presence of the z-gradient, nuclei of the encoded voxel are tilted and then refocused at a rate proportional to the z-gradient. Due to this refocusing, spin echo signals are generated which are useful for acquiring data from the tissue. The intravoxel z-gradient used for the present invention is the same for all voxels and is greater than either the x-gradient or the y-gradient which are used for encoding. The z-gradient may be substantially constant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-refilling device for insertion in the neck portion (3) of a container for liquids for example, fine spirits, the device comprising a sleeve member (4) adapted to be a secure fit within the neck portion (3), a one-way valve arrangement (6, 8), a pouring member (10) and a closure member (16, 20). While the device is being applied to the neck portion of the filled container, all the above components are maintained in an assembled condition by engagable members (28, 32) on the closure member (16) and the pouring member (10). When the container is opened normally, the action of unscrewing the closure member (16, 20) is adequate to overcome the action of the engagable members (28, 32) so that the container may be opened and resealed in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A foldable frame and body for a vehicle or trailer provides a chassis, at least one frame member pivotally mounted to the chassis at a first pivot point, a hinge arm pivotally mounted to the chassis at a second pivot point and a release arm for closing the frame which is pivotally connected to the frame member at a third pivot point and to the hinge arm at a fourth pivot point such that the fourth pivot point moves toward a line between the second and third pivot points as the frame is unfolded, leveraging the frame to an open position. The foldable vehicle or trailer is lightweight and may be motorized or human-powered.

Abstract: A convertible trailer for towing behind a bicycle, the trailer being convertible between a trailer and a stroller. The trailer possesses a chassis frame, comprising a generally rectangular outer frame member having a front frame member, a rear frame member, and two side frame members. A tow bar is pivotally mounted to the trailer, pivotal between a towing position extending forwardly of the chassis frame, and a stroller position extending upwardly of the chassis frame. Releasible securement means is further provided for securing the tow bar in the towing position and in the stroller position. A second pair of wheels are pivotably mounted on the chassis frame. Each are pivotable between a retracted position when the tow bar is in the towing position, and an extended position forward of the first pair of wheels for travel on the ground when the tow bar is in the stroller position.

Abstract: Potentiating agents inhibit the development of multidrug resistance, reduce drug-resistance in drug-resistant tumors, or sensitize tumors to antineoplastic drugs, thereby potentiating the effect of antineoplastic agents. The potentiating agents are aminoanthraquinones, preferably 1,4-bis(N-substituted) amino anthraquinones, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.