Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modulating an immune response in an organism by administering medicinally active extracts and fractions, and a method for preparing the same by extracting and fractioning constituents from the tissue of components of Ganoderma lucidum.

Abstract: A converter uses a predetermined parameter a. A generating unit accepts generated inputs x1, . . . , xn, and generates generated outputs, y1, . . . , yn, using recurrence formulas, y1=F1(x1, a) and yi+1=Fi+1(xi+1, yi) (1?i?n?1). A key accepting unit accepts key inputs, k1, . . . , kn, and gives them as generated inputs to said generating unit. A repetition controller gives the generated outputs as generated inputs to said generating unit, for an “m” (m?0) number of times, and sets one of the generated outputs to be given at the end as a random number string, r1, . . . , rn. The data accepting unit accepts data inputs, d1, . . . , dn. The converting unit converts data using, ei=di?ri, and, outputs data outputs, e1, . . . , en. The converter can be used both for encrypting and decrypting data.

Abstract: For each of pattern projection regions, a mask and a substrate are moved in synchronization with each other in an X direction while projecting a portion of a mask pattern through an optical projection system onto a portion of the pattern projection region. An exposure region is thereby shifted from one of two ends of the pattern projection region toward the other end, the two ends being opposed to each other in the X direction. If the pattern projection region is a peripheral projection region that has a portion located outside the edge of the substrate, of the two ends of the region opposed to each other in the X direction, the exposure region is shifted from the one end that is greater in length of a portion laid over the substrate toward the other end.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator comprising a hydrogen membrane reactor, a fuel supply, a reaction fuel supply line, an air supply, an air supply line, a combustion fuel supply line, a tail gas supply line, a combustion by-product line for transporting combustion by-products from the combustion chamber, and a reaction product line. A membrane assembly to be joined to a reactor chamber of a hydrogen generator, which comprises a membrane; and a membrane support comprising a sintered porous metal. A reactor assembly comprising a reaction chamber containing a porous metal substrate, two membrane assemblies, a fuel supply, a reaction fuel supply line, and a tail gas supply line and a reaction product line. Methods associated with the hydrogen generator, membrane assembly and reactor assembly.

Abstract: A method of and system for reducing engine environmental atmospheric pollution emissions from a vehicle having a combustion engine utilizing hydrocarbon fuel for at least one of propulsion and auxiliary electrical power is disclosed. The method basically includes providing an unprocessed bulk fuel storage container and a clean processed fuel tank on the vehicle, supplying the engine for propulsion with fuel from the unprocessed fuel storage container when the vehicle is beyond a predetermined distance from an area having environmental restrictions passing a portion of unprocessed fuel through a desulphurization process to fill a clean fuel storage container while the vehicle is in motion and supplying the combustion engine for one of propulsion and auxiliary electrical power from clean fuel in the processed fuel storage container when the vehicle is within an area having environmental restrictions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a removable and adjustable neck joint between a neck and a body of a musical instrument. The neck includes a contoured mounting portion that engages a pocket included in the body. The mounting portion and pocket include engagement features that provide contact between the mounting portion and pocket.

Abstract: A filter (201) accepts spreading code sequences or the like as input sequences of a chip rate 1/D, the accepted spreading code sequences are sequentially delayed and distributed by delay circuits (202) connected in series, delay times of individual signals are an arithmetical progression with a chip length D being a common difference D, the individual signals are amplified with spreading codes by amplifiers (203), amplification factors for the individual signals are a geometrical progression of a common ratio r, the sum of the amplified signals is obtained by addition in an adder (204), and the result is sequentially output as an output sequence.

Abstract: A time released nutritional food product and method of making it in is provided in which the product includes a plurality of grain or seed based constituents having plural digestion rates. In a preferred embodiment the product can be prepared by cooking the constituent parts together as a mixture at a substantially single length of cooking time. For example, the product while palatable, can be cooked by adding water, boiling for a given amount of time and eaten. In an embodiment the constituent parts include processed and unprocessed grains, at least one of which forms a gelatinous coating on the others when cooked.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting electronic commerce using electronic tokens are described. The electronic tokens are issued and maintained by a vendor, who also provides products and services that can be purchased or rented using the electronic tokens. The electronic tokens may be purchased from the vendor either on-line, using a credit card, or off-line, using a check, money order, purchase order, or other payment means. Because the vendor is the issuer of the electronic tokens, there is no need for transactions to be handled by a third party, such as a bank or other organization. This reduces the overhead involved in conducting electronic commerce, and provides the vendor with a greater amount of control. Additionally, the vendor maintains total control over the price of the electronic tokens at any time.

Abstract: To provide a turning device that involves a small number of components, is inexpensive, and can be easily operated. A turning device (1) is composed of a base plate (2) and a rotating case (10) rotatably provided on the base plate (2). A sun gear (3) is secured to the base plate (2). The rotating case (10) is provided with a planetary gear (33) in mesh with the sun gear (3), a drive motor (20) for rotating the planetary gear (33), a power source portion (49) for supplying electricity to the drive motor (20), a switch (42) for controlling the driving/stopping of the drive motor (20), an operating means (44) for operating the switch (42), and suspending members (52, 53) for suspending a turning body (50), the suspending member (52) being connected to the operating means (44).

Abstract: A method for managing the “stop-and-start” mode in a motor vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine; the method provides for the “stop-and-start” mode to be enabled or disabled as a function of a state of charge (SOC) of a battery of the motor vehicle, as a function of a state of motion of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and as a function of the electric power consumed overall by the electrical consumers of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic egress system includes at least one door, each door having a handle defining an interior area, an actuator and an exit control assembly including a switch assembly located substantially within the handle's interior. The handle is movable relative to the actuator such that motion of the handle relative the actuator changes the switch assembly from a first switch state to a second switch state.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a separable golf club are provided involving a connector having a male connector and a female connector configured to be selectively matable. The male and female connectors are configured to facilitate assembly of the connector with a reduced likelihood of damage to threaded portions of each component by the presence of complementary engaging surfaces, such as blunt tip and smooth alignment portions of the male connector. Additionally, the male and female connectors each may have a shoulder portion with a larger dimension than other portions of the connector in order to provide a secure coupling of the components.

Abstract: A transvesicular drainage device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in the human body into the bladder. The device may be used to treat ascites or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non human mammal.

Abstract: A pressure activated latch includes a latch housing, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, an internal biasing member and a sliding latch pin that is configured to engage a latch tab that is substantially adjacent to the latch housing. The latch pin is slidable between a first position in which the latch pin prevents fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and engages the latch tab and a second position in which the latch pin is disengaged from the latch tab and fluid communication is permitted between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The internal biasing member is configured to apply a force upon the latch pin to bias it into the first position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting electronic commerce using electronic tokens are described. The electronic tokens are issued and maintained by a vendor, who also provides products and services that can be purchased or rented using the electronic tokens. The electronic tokens may be purchased from the vendor either on-line, using a credit card, or off-line, using a check, money order, purchase order, or other payment means. Because the vendor is the issuer of the electronic tokens, there is no need for transactions to be handled by a third party, such as a bank or other organization. This reduces the overhead involved in conducting electronic commerce, and provides the vendor with a greater amount of control. Additionally, the vendor maintains total control over the price of the electronic tokens at any time. For vendors who offer software products for sale or rental, use of electronic tokens makes a variety of rental arrangements practical.

Abstract: In order to enhance the flexibility and trackability of a catheter (1) that is particularly adapted for use in delivering a stent (5), the catheter (1) comprises a marker arrangement (7, 8) that includes at least one marker (10, 11) made from a wire of a highly radiopaque and ductile material. Said wire is preferably wrapped around a second inner tube (2) of the catheter (1).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing distal protection during a medical procedure comprising a vascular filter having a self-expanding, porous foam body that conformably seals against a vessel wall and captures emboli within one or more recesses. The filter is coupled to a distal region of an elongated member, such as a guide wire. Delivery systems for use with filters of the present invention and methods of using the apparatus of the present invention also are provided.