task. There doesn't appear to be anything in this code that would be patent encumbered, but the code itself certainly falls under Hidenori's copyright which he has effectively revoked permission to use.
Strictly speaking, this is not possible. Although IANAL, this code is LGPL, so he can't revoke permission for this version of the code. He can ask to not use it, and this wish can be granted. You still should be allowed to pick it up. Next question is then, if a modified version will be picked up (still respecting the author's wish)? Or how much modifications are needed? Geez, such things are never trivial :(
Regards,
Wolfram