Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the separation and removal of methane from an agricultural methane digestate, for example, agricultural waste. The systems and methods include an extraction system that exposes the methane digestate to agricultural commodities and a microbial additives resulting in products that can be recycled.

Abstract: A proximal end of a lead body carries a connector assembly. A first electrical conductor within the lead body electrically connects a tip electrode to a first electrical contact on the connector assembly. A collar electrode is carried by a distal end portion of the lead body. A second electrical conductor within the lead body electrically connects the collar electrode to a second electrical contact on the connector assembly. A ring electrode, carried by the distal end portion of the lead body, is disposed proximally of the collar electrode in spaced-apart relationship thereto and is connected through a switching device to a node point along the second conductor. The switching device has a first state permitting an electrical current to be conducted between the ring electrode and the node point and a second state in which the ring electrode is electrically isolated from the node point. Preferably, the switching device comprises a diode.

Abstract: A transvenous cardiac lead comprises a lead body having a distal end portion comprising a tip adapted to be placed in engagement with cardiac tissue. A protective device is carried by the distal end portion of the lead body in operative association with the tip, the protective device being deployable following placement of the tip to protect the cardiac tissue engaged by the tip. The deployable protective device may be expandable upon implantation to provide a larger surface area or footprint about the lead tip so as to retard or reduce the risk of penetration or perforation of the myocardium by the tip. The protective device may comprise a matrix expandable in response to contact with bodily fluids. Preferably, the expandable matrix comprises hydrogel. Alternatively, the protective device may comprise at least one electroactive polymer element electrically connected to a proximal end of the lead body.