Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to auditory nerve stimulation to create the perception of sound in the brain of a subject such as an animal or human being. In one form, a system includes an implantable electrode array including a plurality of spaced apart micro-needles. The system also includes a first electrical lead electrically coupled to and extending from the implantable electrode array, and an auditory signal device configured to produce one or more electrical signals representative of communications received from an external processor. An interposer is configured to electrically couple the implantable electrode array and the auditory signal device in an arrangement where one or more electrical signals produced by the auditory signal device may be transmitted through the first electrical lead to the implantable electrode array. Various novel stimulation strategies can be employed, such as place modulated stimulation signals.

Abstract: A device and system for purifying a fluid is provided. The system includes a tank having an interior space and a media container disposed within the interior space. A valve is provided that cooperates with an element within the interior, the valve being movable between an open and a closed position. The valve being biased to the open position when the element is not positioned within the interior space, wherein the interior space is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere in the open position. The valve further being configured to move to a closed position when the element is positioned within the interior space.

Abstract: A device and system for purifying a fluid is provided. The system includes a tank having an interior space and a media container disposed within the interior space. A valve is provided that cooperates with an element within the interior, the valve being movable between an open and a closed position. The valve being biased to the open position when the element is not positioned within the interior space, wherein the interior space is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere in the open position. The valve further being configured to move to a closed position when the element is positioned within the interior space.

Abstract: A method includes imparting energy to a target in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at room temperature to provide a substrate facing the target with a carbonaceous coating that includes nested carbon structures.

Abstract: A method includes imparting energy to a target in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at room temperature to provide a substrate facing the target with a carbonaceous coating that includes nested carbon structures.

Abstract: A method includes imparting energy to a target in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at room temperature to provide a substrate facing the target with a carbonaceous coating that includes nested carbon structures.

Abstract: A sapphire window is laser edge annealed using a CO.sub.2 laser spot illuminating along a path following the edge of the window so as to heat the edges to remove or reduce sub surface defects which can cause stress fractures.

Abstract: The invention relates to new, liquid crystalline di(alkoxyglycidyl) compounds of optionally ring substituted 1,4-dibenzoyloxybenzenes in which an alkoxy group consisting of 2 to 8 carbon atoms is incorporated between the glycidyl groups and the 1,4-dibenzoyloxybenzene, a synthesis of 4,4'-di(hexoxyglycidyl)-(1,4-dibenzoyloxybenzene), furthermore epoxy resin mixtures containing the new dialkoxyglycidyl compounds and the epoxy resin mixtures thereof in curable mixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to new, liquid crystalline di(alkoxyglycidyl) compounds of optionally ring substituted 1,4-dibenzoyloxybenzenes in which an alkoxy group consisting of 2 to 8 carbon atoms is incorporated between the glycidyl groups and the 1,4-dibenzoyloxybenzene, a synthesis of 4,4'-di(hexoxyglycidyl)-(1,4-dibenzoyloxybenzene), furthermore epoxy resin mixtures containing the new dialkoxyglycidyl compounds and the epoxy resin mixtures thereof in curable mixtures.