Abstract: A method for selectively applying a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) to an area of skin, the method comprising receiving an image of the area of skin, identifying, using the image, a nominated point within the area of skin, determining an actual reflectance of the nominated point, applying an edge protection technique based on the image to generate one or more outputs, determining a desired reflectance of the nominated point based on the one or more outputs, calculating an amount of RMA to be applied based on the output, and determining whether to apply the RMA to the area of skin based on the amount of RMA.

Abstract: An applicator head is provided for a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) applicator is moved across the skin by means of a floating ring having dispersed raised contact points to maintain a proper distance from the surface to be treated, reduce the influence of outside light during scanning, and limit smudging during deposition. During an application session, software on the computer uses a camera to sense aspects of color and texture on human features, calculates cosmetic enhancements, and uses the printer head to apply RMA precisely to the features to create those enhancements. Skin landmarks are used for registration. The head uses differential lighting by providing a sequence of directional lighting, with some exposures left dark to adjust for ambient light leakage. The exposures are co-synchronized in stacks, where each stack is a grouping of data about a particular instant of time during the scanning.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, an area of human skin, and applies a modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level, typically to make the skin appear more youthful and so more attractive. The system scans the frexel, identifies unattractive attributes, and applies the RMA, typically with an inkjet printer. The identified attributes relate to reflectance and may refer to features such as irregular-looking light and dark spots, age-spots, scars, and bruises. Identified attributes may also relate to the surface topology of the skin, for more precisely enhancing surface irregularities such as bumps and wrinkles. Feature mapping may be used, for example to make cheeks appear pinker and cheekbones more prominent. The RMA can be applied in agreement with identified patterns, such as adding red to a red frexel, or in opposition, such as adding green or blue to a red frexel, according to idealized models of attractiveness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating liver fibrosis or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, comprising 50 to 90% by weight of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium powder, and 10 to 50% by weight of condensed astragalus powder.

Abstract: A pump has a packing nut extending into an open end of the plunger bore and a device coupled to the packing nut. The device includes first body coupled to a second body to form a body of the device. A first post connected to the body and a second post connected to the body. The first post extending into a first opening of the packing nut and the second post extends into a second opening of the packing nut to couple said device to said packing nut. A stop forms a portion of the device. When the body is in a locked orientation, the stop of the device abuts or will abut, when the nut is rotated in a loosening direction, a connecting assembly of the pump. When the body is in the unlocked orientation, the second post is moveable, relative to the first body and the first post, in a direction out of the second opening, and a first portion of said second body, exclusive of said second post, is moveable in a direction relative to said first body and first post.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel and non-obvious methods and media for preparing fermentation products of Cordyceps sinensis. The present invention also relates to novel and non-obvious compositions comprising fermentation products of Cordyceps sinensis produced by the methods of the invention or obtained from other sources. The present invention also relates to novel and non-obvious methods of treating patients by administering the compositions of the invention. In one embodiment, the Cordyceps sinensis mycelia is Paecilomyces hepiali mycelia. In another embodiment the compositions of the invention are used to treat patients infected with hepatitis C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating liver fibrosis or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, comprising 50 to 90% by weight of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium powder, and 10 to 50% by weight of condensed astragalus powder.

Abstract: A method for selectively applying a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) to an area of skin, the method comprising receiving an image of the area of skin, identifying, using the image, a nominated point within the area of skin, determining an actual reflectance of the nominated point, applying an edge protection technique based on the image to generate one or more outputs, determining a desired reflectance of the nominated point based on the one or more outputs, calculating an amount of RMA to be applied based on the output, and determining whether to apply the RMA to the area of skin based on the amount of RMA.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, which is an area of human skin, and applies a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level to automatically change the appearance of human features based on one or more digital images. The change may be based on a digital image of the same frexel, for as seen in a prior digital photograph captured previously by the computer-controlled system. The system scans the frexel and uses feature recognition software to compare the person's current features in the frexel with that person's features in the digital image. It then calculates enhancements to the make the current features appear more like the features in the digital image, and it applies the RMA to the frexel to accomplish the enhancements. Or the change may be based on a digital image of another person, through the application of RMAs.

Abstract: An extension pole and tool holder apparatus is described. A first rod has a distal end and a proximal end, and a first rod aperture extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. It also includes a transversely-extending aperture portion that is longitudinally spaced from the distal end. A second rod also has distal and proximal ends, the second rod being disposed in a telescoping, longitudinally-moveable arrangement with respect to the first rod. The second rod typically has a second rod aperture with a longitudically-extending aperture portion extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. A third rod has a protruding member extending transversely outwardly therefrom, the third rod being mountable within the first and second rods such that the protruding member is trapped within the transversely-extended aperture portion of the first rod aperture and the longitudinally-extended aperture portion of the second rod aperture.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, which is an area of human skin, and applies a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level to automatically change the appearance of human features based on one or more digital images. The change may be based on a digital image of the same frexel, for as seen in a prior digital photograph captured previously by the computer-controlled system. The system scans the frexel and uses feature recognition software to compare the person's current features in the frexel with that person's features in the digital image. It then calculates enhancements to the make the current features appear more like the features in the digital image, and it applies the RMA to the frexel to accomplish the enhancements. Or the change may be based on a digital image of another person, through the application of RMAs.

Abstract: An extension pole and tool holder apparatus is described. A first rod has a distal end and a proximal end, and a first rod aperture extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. It also includes a transversely-extending aperture portion that is longitudinally spaced from the distal end. A second rod also has distal and proximal ends, the second rod being disposed in a telescoping, longitudinally-moveable arrangement with respect to the first rod. The second rod typically has a second rod aperture with a longitudinally-extending aperture portion extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. A third rod has a protruding member extending transversely outwardly therefrom, the third rod being mountable within the first and second rods such that the protruding member is trapped within the transversely-extended aperture portion of the first rod aperture and the longitudinally-extended aperture portion of the second rod aperture.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, which is an area of human skin, and applies a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level to automatically change the appearance of human features based on one or more digital images. The change may be based on a digital image of the same frexel, for as seen in a prior digital photograph captured previously by the computer-controlled system. The system scans the frexel and uses feature recognition software to compare the person's current features in the frexel with that person's features in the digital image. It then calculates enhancements to the make the current features appear more like the features in the digital image, and it applies the RMA to the frexel to accomplish the enhancements. Or the change may be based on a digital image of another person, through the application of RMAs.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, an area of human skin, and applies a modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level, typically to make the skin appear more youthful and so more attractive. The system scans the frexel, identifies unattractive attributes, and applies the RMA, typically with an inkjet printer. The identified attributes relate to reflectance and may refer to features such as irregular-looking light and dark spots, age-spots, scars, and bruises. Identified attributes may also relate to the surface topology of the skin, for more precisely enhancing surface irregularities such as bumps and wrinkles. Feature mapping may be used, for example to make cheeks appear pinker and cheekbones more prominent. The RMA can be applied in agreement with identified patterns, such as adding red to a red frexel, or in opposition, such as adding green or blue to a red frexel, according to idealized models of attractiveness.

Abstract: An automated cosmetic applicator uses wide-angle cameras, a high-resolution camera, and a differential lighting process to capture images of a body. Software analyzes these images to identify large and small features of the subject and to use these features as landmarks to create in computer memory a corresponding map that is highly accurate and data rich with pixel-level data about the subject's color, light value and texture characteristics. The rich images may be used for tracking the device on the skin, for making accurate corrections to skin, for simulating possible cosmetic enhancements and selecting a desired correction, and for use in other applications such as video games and animations.

Abstract: A method and system for management of radio frequency channels in a wireless communications network including at least one access point and at least one mobile device coupled for wireless communication to the access point, the method including periodically generating a transmission channel testing scenario which includes a plurality of transmission channels for testing by the access point; transmitting data between the access point and said mobile device over each transmission channel according to the scenario; testing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters in the access point and the mobile device over each said transmission channel; determining a transmission channel from the scenario having best QoS parameters; and reconfiguring the access point to transmit on the transmission channel having best QoS parameters.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, an area of human skin, and applies a modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level, typically to make the skin appear more youthful and so more attractive. The system scans the frexel, identifies unattractive attributes, and applies the RMA, typically with an inkjet printer. The identified attributes relate to reflectance and may refer to features such as irregular-looking light and dark spots, age-spots, scars, and bruises. Identified attributes may also relate to the surface topology of the skin, for more precisely enhancing surface irregularities such as bumps and wrinkles. Feature mapping may be used, for example to make cheeks appear pinker and cheekbones more prominent. The RMA can be applied in agreement with identified patterns, such as adding red to a red frexel, or in opposition, such as adding green or blue to a red frexel, according to idealized models of attractiveness.

Abstract: An access point in a wireless packet communication system is disclosed. The access point has an antenna for receiving IP data encoded according to a wireless IP communication protocol. The access point also has a combiner having an input coupled to said antenna and having first and second outputs. The access point further has a first decoder for receiving encoded IP data on a first channel at a first output of said combiner. The access point also has a second decoder for receiving encoded IP data on a second channel at a second output of said combiner. The access point further has a router for receiving unencoded IP data from said first decoder at a first input, and receiving unencoded IP data from said second decoder at a second input, said router having a single output for passing unencoded IP data from said first decoder and said second decoder.