Author: claimsbot

1. An interchangeable wheel cover for a wheel of a piece of luggage, comprising:
a) a center cap assembly; and
b) a trim ring assembly;
wherein said center cap assembly interchangeable affixes said trim ring assembly to the wheel of the piece of luggage.
2. The wheel cover of claim 1, wherein said center cap assembly comprises a hubcap.
3. The wheel cover of claim 2, wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly has a wheel-facing surface;
wherein said wheel-facing surface of said hubcap of said center cap assembly has snap clips;
wherein said snap clips of said wheel-facing surface of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially therefrom; and
wherein said snap clips of said wheel-facing surface of said hubcap of said center cap assembly face towards the wheel of the piece of luggage.
4. The wheel cover of claim 3, wherein said center cap assembly comprises a ring.
5. The wheel cover of claim 4, wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly sits in said ring of said center cap assembly;
wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly rests concentrically on said ring of said center cap assembly;
wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly is outboard of said ring of said center cap assembly;
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially through said ring of said center cap assembly; and
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend towards the wheel of the piece of luggage.
6. The wheel cover of claim 4, wherein said trim ring assembly comprises a first ring.
7. The wheel cover of claim 6, wherein said first ring of said trim ring assembly has said ring of said center cap assembly sitting concentrically therein;
wherein said ring of said center cap assembly is sandwiched between said first ring of said trim ring assembly and said hubcap of said center cap assembly;
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially through said first ring of said trim ring assembly; and
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend towards the wheel of the piece of luggage.
8. The wheel cover of claim 6, wherein said trim ring assembly comprises a second ring.
9. The wheel cover of claim 8, wherein said second ring of said trim ring assembly sits concentrically in said first ring of said trim ring assembly;
wherein said second ring of said trim ring assembly is inboard of said first ring of said trim ring assembly;
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially through said second ring of said trim ring assembly; and
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend towards the wheel of the piece of luggage.
10. The wheel cover of claim 8, wherein said trim ring assembly comprises a base ring.
11. The wheel cover of claim 10, wherein said base ring of said trim ring assembly has said second ring of said trim ring assembly sitting concentrically therein;
wherein said second ring of said trim ring assembly is sandwiched between said base ring of said trim ring assembly and said first ring of said trim ring assembly;
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially into said base ring of said trim ring assembly; and
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly replaceably engage in said base ring of said trim ring assembly, to thereby capture said ring of said center cap assembly, said first ring of said trim ring assembly, and said second ring of said trim ring assembly between said hubcap of said center cap assembly and said base ring of said trim ring assembly, to thereby form said interchangeable wheel cover.
12. The wheel cover of claim 11, wherein said base ring of said trim ring assembly has a wheel-facing surface;
wherein said wheel-facing surface of said base ring of said trim ring assembly has snap clips extending axially therefrom;
wherein said snap clips of said wheel-facing surface of said base ring of said trim ring assembly face towards the wheel of the piece of luggage; and
wherein said snap clips of said wheel-facing surface of said base ring of said trim ring assembly replaceably engage the wheel of the piece of luggage, to thereby replaceably attach said interchangeable wheel cover to the wheel of the piece of luggage.
13. The wheel cover of claim 8, wherein said first ring of said trim ring assembly has a periphery;
wherein said periphery of said first ring of said trim ring assembly has a wheel-facing surface;
wherein said wheel-facing surface of said periphery of said first ring of said trim ring assembly bends towards itself so as to form a peripheral cuff; and
wherein said peripheral cuff of said wheel-facing surface of said first ring of said trim ring assembly captures said second ring of said trim ring assembly against said first ring of said trim ring assembly so as to allow said second ring of said trim ring assembly to function as a rigid core for said first ring of said trim ring assembly.
14. The wheel cover of claim 10, wherein said second ring of said trim ring assembly has a wheel-facing surface;
wherein said wheel-facing surface of said second ring of said trim ring assembly has pins;
wherein said pins of said wheel-facing surface of said second ring of said trim ring assembly extend axially therefrom; and
wherein said pins of said wheel-facing surface of said second ring of said trim ring assembly face towards said base ring of said trim ring assembly.
15. The wheel cover of claim 14, wherein said base ring of said trim ring assembly has through bores; and
wherein said through bores of said base ring of said trim ring assembly receive said pins of said wheel-facing surface of said second ring of said trim ring assembly, respectively, to prevent rotation of said second ring of said trim ring assembly relative to said base ring of said trim ring assembly.
16. The wheel cover of claim 3, wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises a hub;
wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises a rim;
wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises spokes; and
wherein the spokes of the wheel of the piece of luggage extend radially outwardly from the hub of the wheel of the piece of luggage to the rim of the wheel of the piece of luggage.
17. The wheel cover of claim 16, wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises a pair of bearings; and
wherein the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage sit in the hub of the wheel of the piece of luggage.
18. The wheel cover of claim 17, wherein the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage are one of pin bearings and roller bearings.
19. The wheel cover of claim 17, wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises an axle; and
wherein the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage extends into the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage and into the piece of luggage.
20. The wheel cover of claim 19, wherein the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage has a widened head; and
wherein the widened head of the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage is captured between an innermost bearing of the wheel of the piece of luggage and said wheel-facing surface of said hubcap of said center cap assembly, to thereby prevent the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage from passing completely through the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage.
21. The wheel cover of claim 10, wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly, said ring of said center cap assembly, said second ring of said trim ring assembly, and said base ring of said trim ring assembly are made from ABS plastic so as to be rigid.
22. The wheel cover of claim 6, wherein said first ring of said trim ring assembly is made from leather so as to be flexible.
23. The wheel cover of claim 1, wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage is made from polyurethane so as to be rigid.
24. The wheel cover of claim 19, wherein the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage is made from steel so as to be rigid.
25. The wheel cover of claim 19, wherein the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage are made from carbon steel so as to minimize frictional damage to the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage.
26. The wheel cover of claim 2, wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly is disk-shaped.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A compound of the formula (I)
wherein
X is
Y is H or NR12R13;
Z is \u2014C(O)\u2014 or \u2014SO2\u2014;
n is, independently for each occurrence. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8;
R1 and R3 each is, independently, H or (C1-C4)alkyl;
R2 and R4 each is, independently,
R5 is H, (C1-C6)alkyl, (C2-C6)alkenyl, (C2-C6)alkynyl, substituted (C1-C6)alkyl, substituted (C2-C6)alkenyl, substituted (C2-C6)alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, alkylarylalkyl or arylalkylaryl;
R8 and R9 each is, independently, (C1-C6)alkyl or substituted (C1-C6)alkyl;
R6, R7, R10, R11, R12 and R13 each is, independently, H, (C1-C6)alkyl or substituted (C1-C6)alkyl; and
Q is H or (C1-C4)alkyl;
provided that both R2 and R4 are not
in said compound;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein at least one of R2 and R4 is
3. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
4. A compound according to claim 3, wherein Z is \u2014C(O)\u2014.
5. A compound according to claim 4, wherein
X is
R6 and R7 each is, independently, H; and
R8 and R9 each is, independently, CH3.
6. A compound of claim 5, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
7. A compound according to claim 4, wherein
X is
and
Y is H.
8. A compound according to claim 7 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
9. A compound according to claim 4, wherein
X is
and
Y is NR12R13;

wherein both R12 and R13 are each H.
10. A compound of claim 9 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
11. A compound according to claim 3, wherein Z is \u2014SO2\u2014.
12. A compound according to claim 11, wherein
X is
R6 and R7 each is, independently, H; and
R8 and R9 each is, independently, CH3.
13. A compound of claim 12, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
14. A compound according to claim 11, wherein
X is
and
Y is H.
15. A compound according to claim 14 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
16. A compound according to claim 11, wherein
X is
and
Y is NR12R13;

wherein both R12 and R13 are each H.
17. A compound of claim 16 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
18. A compound of claim 3 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
19. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
or
20-33. (canceled)
34. A compound of claim 19 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
35. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
36-50. (canceled)
51. A compound of claim 36 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
52. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
or
and
R4 is
53-66. (canceled)
67. A compound of claim 52 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
68. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
69. A compound according to claim 68 wherein Q is H.
70-83. (canceled)
84. A compound of claim 69 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
85. A compound according to claim 1, wherein
R2 is
or
and
R4 is
or
86-99. (canceled)
100. A compound of claim 85 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
101. A compound according to claim 1, wherein
R2 is
or
and
R4 is
102. A compound according to claim 101 wherein Q is H.
103-116. (canceled)
117. A compound of claim 102 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
118. A compound according to claim 1, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
or
119. A compound according to claim 101 wherein Q is H.
120-133. (canceled)
134. A compound of claim 119 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
135. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
136. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 135.
137. The composition of claim 136, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
138. A compound according to claim 135, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
139. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 138.
140. The composition of claim 139, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
141. A compound according to claim 138, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
142. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 141.
143. The composition of claim 142, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
144. A compound according to claim 141, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
145. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 144.
146. The composition of claim 145, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
147. A compound according to claim 144, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
148. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 147.
149. The composition of claim 148, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
150. A compound according to claim 147, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
151. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 150.
152. The composition of claim 151, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
153. A compound according to claim 135, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
154. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 153.
155. The composition of claim 154, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
156. A compound according to claim 135, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
157. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 156.
158. The composition of claim 157, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
159. A method of determining a compound’s ability to bind to a GHS receptor, said method comprising the step of measuring the ability of a compound to effect binding of a compound according to claim 1 to said receptor, to a fragment of said receptor, to a polypeptide comprising said fragment of said receptor or to a derivative of said polypeptide.
160. A method of screening for a ghrelin agonist said method comprising the step of using a compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a competition experiment with test compounds.
161. A method of screening for a ghrelin antagonist said method comprising the step of using a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to produce GHS receptor activity and then measuring the ability of a test compound to alter GHS receptor activity.
162. A method for achieving a beneficial effect in a subject, said method comprising the step of administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is effective for producing a beneficial effect in helping to treat or helping to prevent a disease of disorder.
163. A method for stimulating growth hormone secretion in a subject in need of such stimulation, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin agonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable increase in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
164. A method according to claim 163 wherein said stimulation of growth hormone secretion is indicated for treatment of a growth hormone deficient state, for increasing muscle mass, for increasing bone density, for sexual dysfunction in males or females, for facilitating a weight gain, for facilitating maintenance of weight, for facilitating maintenance of physical functioning, for facilitating recovery of physical function, andor facilitating appetite increase.
165. A method according to claim 164 wherein said facilitating weight gain, facilitating maintenance in weight, andor facilitating appetite increase is indicated in a patient having a disease or disorder, or under going a treatment, accompanied by weight loss.
166. A method according to claim 165 wherein said diseases or disorders accompanied by weight loss include anorexia, bulimia, cancer cachexia, AIDS, AIDS wasting, cachexia, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic renal failure and wasting in frail elderly.
167. A method according to claim 165 wherein said treatments accompanied by weight loss include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, temporary or permanent immobilization, and dialysis.
168. A method for suppressing growth hormone secretion in a subject in need of such suppression, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
169. A method according to claim 168 wherein said suppression of growth hormone secretion is indicated for the treatment of a disease or condition characterized by excessive growth hormone secretion, for facilitation of weight loss, for facilitation of appetite decrease, for facilitation of weight maintenance, for treating obesity, for preventing andor treating diabetes, for treating complications of diabetes including retinopathy, andor for treating cardiovascular disorders.
170. A method according to claim 169 wherein said excessive weight is a contributing factor to a disease or condition including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, gall stones, osteoarthritis, Prader-Willi Syndrome and cancer.
171. A method according to claim 170 wherein said facilitation of weight loss reduces the likelihood of such diseases or conditions.
172. A method according to claim 170 wherein said facilitation of weight loss comprises at least part of a treatment for such diseases or conditions.
173. A method of eliciting a ghrelin agonist effect in a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin agonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
174. A method of eliciting a ghrelin antagonist effect in a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
175. A method of promoting gastrointestinal motility in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to facility gastrointestinal motility, and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
176. A method according to claim 175, wherein said decreased gastrointestinal motility is found in a subject suffering from post-operative ileus or gastroparesis.
177. A method according to claim 176, wherein said gastroparesis is incidental to the onset of diabetes or is brought about by a chronic diabetic state.
178. A compound of the formula (II)
wherein
X is
Y is H or NR12R13;
Z is \u2014C(O)\u2014 or \u2014SO2\u2014;
n is, independently for each occurrence. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8;
R1 and R3 each is, independently, H or (C1-C4)alkyl;
R2 and R4 each is, independently,
R5 is H or (C1-C6)alkylhalo, R8 and R9 each is, independently, (C1-C6)alkyl or substituted (C1-C6)alkyl;
R6, R7, R10 and R11 each is, independently, H, (C1-C6)alkyl, or substituted (C1-C6)alkyl; and
Q is H or (C1-C4)alkyl;
provided that both R2 and R4 are not
in said compound;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
179. A compound according to claim 178, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
180. A compound according to claim 179, wherein Q is H.
181. A compound according to claim 180, wherein Z is \u2014C(O)\u2014.
182. A compound according to claim 181, wherein
X is
R6 and R7 each is, independently, H; and
R8 and R9 each is, independently, CH3.
183. A compound of claim 182, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
184. A compound according to claim 182, wherein
X is
and
Y is H.
185. A compound according to claim 184 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
186. A compound according to claim 181, wherein
X is
and
Y is NR12R13;

wherein both R12 and R13 are each H.
187. A compound of claim 186 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
188. A compound according to claim 180, wherein Z is \u2014SO2\u2014.
189. A compound according to claim 188, wherein
X is
R6 and R7 each is, independently, H; and
R8 and R9 each is, independently, CH3.
190. A compound of claim 189, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
191. A compound according to claim 188, wherein
X is
and
Y is H.
192. A compound according to claim 191, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
193. A compound according to claim 188, wherein
X is
and
Y is NR12R13;

wherein both R12 and R13 are each H.
194. A compound of claim 193, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
195. A compound of claim 178 of the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
196. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 195.
197. The composition of claim 196 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
198. A method of determining a compound’s ability to bind to a GHS receptor, said method comprising the step of measuring the ability of a compound to effect binding of a compound according to claim 178 to said receptor, to a fragment of said receptor, to a polypeptide comprising said fragment of said receptor or to a derivative of said polypeptide.
199. A method of screening for a ghrelin agonist said method comprising the step of using a compound according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a competition experiment with test compounds.
200. A method of screening for a ghrelin antagonist said method comprising the step of using a compound according to claim 178 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to produce GHS receptor activity and then measuring the ability of a test compound to alter GHS receptor activity.
201. A method for achieving a beneficial effect in a subject, said method comprising the step of administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is effective for producing a beneficial effect in helping to treat or helping to prevent a disease of disorder.
202. A method for stimulating growth hormone secretion in a subject in need of such stimulation, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin agonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable increase in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
203. A method according to claim 200 wherein said stimulation of growth hormone secretion is indicated for treatment of a growth hormone deficient state, for increasing muscle mass, for increasing bone density, for sexual dysfunction in males or females, for facilitating a weight gain, for facilitating maintenance of weight, for facilitating maintenance of physical functioning, for facilitating recovery of physical function, andor facilitating appetite increase.
204. A method according to claim 201 wherein said facilitating weight gain, facilitating maintenance in weight, andor facilitating appetite increase is indicated in a patient having a disease or disorder, or under going a treatment; accompanied by weight loss.
205. A method according to claim 204 wherein said diseases or disorders accompanied by weight loss include anorexia, bulimia, cancer cachexia, AIDS, AIDS wasting, cachexia, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic renal failure and wasting in frail elderly.
206. A method according to claim 202 wherein said treatments accompanied by weight loss include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, temporary or permanent immobilization, and dialysis.
207. A method for suppressing growth hormone secretion in a subject in need of such suppression, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
208. A method according to claim 207 wherein said suppression of growth hormone secretion is indicated for the treatment of a disease or condition characterized by excessive growth hormone secretion, for facilitation of weight loss, for facilitation of appetite decrease, for facilitation of weight maintenance, for treating obesity, for treating diabetes, for treating complications of diabetes including retinopathy, andor for treating cardiovascular disorders.
209. A method according to claim 208 wherein said excessive weight is a contributing factor to a disease or condition including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, gall stones, osteoarthritis, Prader-Willi Syndrome and cancer.
210. A method according to claim 209 wherein said facilitation of weight loss reduces the likelihood of such diseases or conditions.
211. A method according to claim 209 wherein said facilitation of weight loss comprises at least part of a treatment for such diseases or conditions.
212. A method of eliciting a ghrelin agonist effect in a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin agonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
213. A method of eliciting a ghrelin antagonist effect in a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
214. A method of promoting gastrointestinal motility in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to facility gastrointestinal motility, and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
215. A method according to claim 214 wherein said decreased gastrointestinal motility is found in a subject suffering from post-operative ileus or gastroparesis.
216. A method according to claim 215, wherein said gastroparesis is incidental to the onset of diabetes or is brought about by a chronic diabetic state.

1. An antenna operative in a plurality of spaced-apart frequency bands, comprising:
a feed;
a first resonator conductively connected to the feed;
a second resonator substantially parallel to the first resonator;
a resonating meanderline having an axis substantially parallel to the first and the second resonators and comprising segments;
a counterpoise;
a ground return conductively connected to the counterpoise and to one or more segments of the meanderline; and
wherein coupling between one or more of the first resonator, the second resonator and the resonating meanderline causes the antenna to operate in the plurality of spaced-apart frequency bands.
2. The antenna of claim 1 wherein the first resonator, the second resonator, the resonating meanderline, the counterpoise and the ground return each comprises a conductive region disposed on a dielectric substrate.
3. The antenna of claim 1 wherein the first resonator comprises a conductive strip having a parallel spaced-apart orientation with the second resonator, also comprising a conductive strip.
4. The antenna of claim 1 wherein the ground return comprises a linear element oriented parallel to the axis of the meanderline.
5. The antenna of claim 1 wherein the coupling comprises one or both of magnetic coupling and capacitive coupling.
6. The antenna of claim 1 wherein the plurality of spaced-apart frequency bands comprise a double resonance high frequency band and a single resonance low frequency band.
7. The antenna of claim 6 wherein the high frequency band comprises a frequency band between about 1710 and 2000 MHz and the low frequency band comprises a frequency band between about 824 and 960 MHz.
8. The antenna of claim 1 further comprising a capacitor connected between the feed and a terminal end of the resonating meanderline.
9. The antenna of claim 1 further comprising a conductive region extending from a last segment of the meanderline.
10. The antenna of claim 9 wherein the conductive region is coplanar with the meanderline.
11. An antenna operative in a plurality of spaced-apart frequency bands, comprising:
a ground region;
a meanderline conductively connected to the ground region and resonant at a first frequency so as to produce a first low frequency operational bandwidth about the first frequency;
a first resonating element;
a second resonating element, the first and second radiating elements spaced apart from and lacking a conductive connection to the ground region; and
wherein an interaction of the first and the second resonating elements produces a resonance at a second and a third frequency, and wherein a second operational bandwidth about the second frequency overlaps a third operational bandwidth about the third frequency to produce a high frequency operational bandwidth.
12. The antenna of claim 11 wherein the meanderline conductively connected to the ground region comprises a plurality of meanderline segments conductively connected to the ground region.
13. The antenna of claim 11 further comprising a feed conductively connected to the first resonating element.
14. The antenna of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of capacitors each connected between two of the ground region, the meanderline, the first resonating element and the second resonating element.
15. The antenna of claim 11 wherein the antenna is formed on a substrate wherein the ground region is disposed in a region defined by first and second parallel edges of the substrate, the meanderline is disposed proximate the first edge and the first and the second resonating elements are disposed proximate the second edge.
16. The antenna of claim 11 wherein the antenna is disposed over a substrate comprising a ground plane conductively connected to the ground region.
17. The antenna of claim 11 disposed overlying a substrate further comprising a first and a second region, wherein the first region comprises a ground plane, and wherein the antenna overlies the second region.
18. The antenna of claim 17 wherein the substrate comprises a signal feed line and the antenna further comprises a feed terminal conductively connected to the signal feed line.
19. The antenna of claim 18 wherein the signal feed line defines an electrical open therein, and wherein at least one of a capacitor and an inductor bridge the electrical open.
20. The antenna of claim 17 spaced apart from the second region to define a gap therebetween.
21. The antenna of claim 20 wherein a dielectric material is disposed within the gap.
22. The antenna of claim 11 wherein the first resonating element comprises a first linear conductive strip and the second resonating element comprises a second linear conductive strip parallel to the first conductive strip.
23. The antenna of claim 11 further comprising a conductive region extending from a last segment of the meanderline.
24. The antenna of claim 23 wherein the conductive region is coplanar with the meanderline.
25. An antenna comprising:
a rectangular substrate defined by first and second spaced apart short edges connected by first and second spaced apart long edges,
a substantially rectangular counterpoise disposed proximate the first short edge;
first and second substantially parallel strips disposed substantially parallel to and proximate the first long edge;
a meanderline disposed proximate the second long edge and having an axis substantially parallel to the second long edge, and wherein the meanderline comprises a plurality of undulating segments of at least two different heights;
a feed conductively connected to the first strip; and
a capacitor connecting the feed to an end of the meanderline.
26. The antenna of claim 25 wherein at least two of the undulating segments are disposed proximate the second short edge such that the first and the second strips are disposed between the counterpoise and the at least two of the undulating segments.
27. The antenna of claim 25 further comprising a ground return conductor extending from the counterpoise along the second edge and conductively connected to one or more of the undulating segments of the meanderline.
28. A communications handset comprising
a substrate having electronic components mounted thereon and further comprising a ground region;
an antenna operative with the electronic components for radiating a signal or receiving a signal in a plurality of spaced-apart frequency bands, the antenna comprising:
a feed;
a first resonator conductively coupled to the feed;
a second resonator substantially parallel to the first resonator;
a resonating meanderline having an axis substantially parallel to the first and the second resonators and comprising segments;
a counterpoise disposed proximate a first end of the resonating meanderline and connected to the ground region;
a ground return conductively connected to the counterpoise, extending from the counterpoise and connected to one or more segments of the meanderline; and
wherein coupling between one or more of the first resonator, the second resonator and the resonating meanderline causes the antenna to operate in the plurality of spaced-apart frequency bands.
29. The communications handset of claim 28 further comprising structural components including a handset case, wherein certain of the structural components are connected to the ground region.
30. The communications handset of claim 28 wherein the coupling comprises one or both of magnetic coupling and capacitive coupling.
31. The antenna of claim 28 wherein the plurality of spaced-apart frequency bands comprise a double resonance high frequency band and a single resonance low frequency band.
32. The antenna of claim 31 wherein the high frequency band comprises a frequency band between about 1710 and 2000 MHz and the low frequency band comprises a frequency band between about 824 and 960 MHz.
33. The antenna of claim 28 further comprising a conductive region extending from a second end of the meanderline.
34. The antenna of claim 33 wherein the conductive region is coplanar with the meanderline.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A needle assembly comprising:
a housing having proximal and distal ends and a shield seat;
a cannula projecting distally from the housing, the cannula having a distal tip; and
a shield having an engagement, the shield having a pre-use position wherein the shield covers the distal tip of the cannula and the engagement is disengaged from the shield seat, and a use position wherein the engagement is engaged with the shield seat and the shield is adapted to move between a non-shielded position, in which the distal tip is exposed, and a shielded position, in which the distal tip is shielded by the shield.
2. The needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the shield comprises a body that defines a longitudinal slot adapted to receive the cannula.
3. The needle assembly of claim 2, wherein the shield includes a needle catch adapted to engage the cannula when the shield is in the shielded position.
4. The needle assembly of claim 2, wherein the body of the shield engages the distal end of the housing when the shield is in the pre-use position.
5. The needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the shield is pivotable relative to the housing when the shield is in the use position.
6. The needle assembly of claim 5, wherein the engagement comprises a locking pin and the shield is pivotable about the locking pin in the use position.
7. The needle assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
a non-patient cannula projecting from the housing; and
a non-patient shield for removably shielding the non-patient cannula, adapted to engage the proximal end of the housing.
8. The needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the shield seat comprises a projection that defines an opening to receive the engagement of the shield.
9. The needle assembly of claim 8, wherein the opening of the shield seat is tapered to lock the engagement to the shield seat after insertion of the engagement into the opening.
10. The needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement comprises a locking pin, and wherein the shield seat is substantially c-shaped about the locking pin.
11. A needle assembly comprising:
a housing having proximal and distal ends and a shield seat;
a cannula having an IV end projecting distally from the housing and a non-patient end projecting proximally from the housing; and
a shield secured to the housing and having a pre-use position wherein the shield covers the non-patient end of the cannula, and a use position wherein the shield is capable of covering the IV end of the cannula.
12. The needle assembly of claim 11, wherein the housing comprises a chamber wall extending between the proximal and distal ends for defining a chamber in the housing.
13. The needle assembly of claim 12, wherein the cannula defines an opening in fluid communication with the chamber.
14. The needle assembly of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a first portion and a second portion with the first portion secured to the second portion, and wherein the shield and the first portion of the housing are formed integrally.
15. The needle assembly of claim 14, wherein the shield is secured to the first portion of the housing via a living hinge, and wherein the shield is pivotable between a non-shielded position and a shielded position.
16. The needle assembly of claim 15, wherein the shield comprises a non-patient portion adapted to cover a portion of the non-patient end of the cannula and an IV portion adapted to cover a portion of the IV end of the cannula.
17. The needle assembly of claim 16, wherein the IV portion of the shield includes a needle catch adapted to engage the IV end of the cannula when the shield is in the use position.
18. The needle assembly of claim 11, wherein the shield comprises a non-patient portion adapted to cover a portion of the non-patient end of the cannula, and an IV portion adapted to cover a portion of the IV end of the cannula, and wherein the IV portion of the shield includes a needle catch adapted to engage the IV end of the cannula when the shield is in the use position.
19. The needle assembly of claim 11, wherein the housing includes a projection, wherein the shield is secured to the housing about the projection with the shield being pivotable relative to the housing between the pre-use position and the use position.
20. The needle assembly of claim 11, wherein the cannula comprises two distinct cannulae.
21. The needle assembly of claim 11, wherein the shield is engaged with the shield seat in the use position and is capable of rotating from a non-shielded position, in which a tip of the IV end is exposed, to a shielded position, in which the tip of the IV end is shielded.
22. A needle assembly comprising:
a housing having proximal and distal ends;
a cannula having an IV end projecting distally from the housing and a non-patient end projecting proximally from the housing; and
an IV shield comprising a pair of spaced-apart sidewalls that define a space for receiving a portion of the IV end of the cannula, the IV shield pivotally secured to the housing and having a pre-use position, in which the IV shield covers a portion of the IV end of the cannula, and a use position, in which the IV shield is adapted to move between a non-shielded position and a shielded position,
wherein at least one of the sidewalls comprises a first projection adapted to temporarily engage the housing when the IV shield is in the pre-use position, and at least one of the sidewalls comprises a second projection adapted to permanently engage the housing when the IV shield is in the shielded position.
23. The needle assembly of claim 22, wherein the sidewalls are spaced via an end wall extending between the pair of sidewalls.
24. The needle assembly of claim 22, wherein the IV shield includes a needle catch adapted to engage the IV end of the cannula when the IV shield is in the shielded position.
25. The needle assembly of claim 22, wherein each of the sidewalls includes a pair of semi-spherical projections adapted to temporarily engage the housing when the IV shield is in the pre-use position.