Abstract: A securing apparatus that releasably secures two or more mechanical elements is provided. The securing apparatus may be attached to one mechanical element and include abutment surfaces that abut at least one additional mechanical element. Forces exerted by the at least one additional mechanical element and the securing apparatus on each other serve to maintain the securing apparatus in an engaged position. The securing apparatus may include a locking member that includes a protruded portion that extends at least partially beneath the securing apparatus and at least one mechanical element. A pull-ring may be provided to rotate the locking member and release the mechanical elements being secured.

Abstract: According to a feature of the present disclosure, a method is provided for the determination of anomalous events in complex systems, such as problems, inefficiencies, and failures, and a tool is provided for the detection of these events. Many complex systems are non-stationary or experience periodic fluctuations or spikes in values that are outside of normal ranges, but constitute normal behavior nevertheless. The method accounts for both non-stationarity, as well as fluctuations and spikes. Additional novel features include both a threshold setting initialization method and a regression method for the determination of the start points and end points of events.

Abstract: A pivot door hinge assembly includes a clamp housing, wedge, and base plate. The clamp housing is preferably generally U-shaped and has an interior channel. The interior channel is tapered such that one end of the interior channel is wider than a second end. The wedge is located in the interior channel of the clamp housing and in between one side of the glass door and an inner surface of the clamp housing. The wedge is also tapered. The set screw is located at one end of the clamp housing and is used to urge the wedge from that end toward the other end. As the wedge moves away from the wider end of the interior channel, this causes the wedge to move closer to the glass door and apply greater pressure against the glass door and an interior side of the clamp housing. This is because the tapered interior channel forces the wedge away from one side of the clamp housing toward the other side. A base plate having a raised portion may also be used.

Abstract: An emergency power supply for an electrical device that provides power sufficient to operate the emergency flotation system for a predetermined period of time after a malfunction of a primary power source. The emergency power supply includes at least one capacitor and a control circuit that are disposed in a housing that is sealed to prevent ingress of liquids. The emergency power supply remains functional even when it is partially submerged.

Abstract: Improved devices for removing tissue, for example nasal hair using natural wax. One embodiment uses telescoping tubes and there is wax or glue located in the inner tubes or between the tubes, whereby the tubes are located so that the inner one can extend or retract relative to the outer tube. Following heating the wax or glue for softening purposes, the same is applied to the inner part of the nasal cavity by emplacing the same in a desired naris and through application of force and wax extrusion through a cloth boot or otherwise, in combination with mild external pressure, removal is accomplished.

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 method of preparing the surface of a porous metal substrate to receive a membrane. The method does not substantially decrease the average bulk porosity of the metal substrate. A hydrogen separation membrane supported on the porous metal substrate. A cold spray is used to reduce surface variance. Exposure to an ion beam may also be used after application on the cold spray to prepare the surface of the substrate for membrane deposition.

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: When entering an idling state, a master unit M transmits an optical signal for polling addressed to each slave unit S-1 to S-n. The slave unit S-n located at the lowest rank of a direct chain constituted by S-1 to S-n, when receiving the optical signal for polling for the self unit, responds by transmitting an optical signal representing a phase correction request signal to the other slave units. The slave units S-1 to S-(n?1) respond to the phase correction request signal, and initialize each clock signal to synchronize with the clock signal of the slave unit S-n at the lowest rank.

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.