Abstract: Compositions, solid polymeric compositions, and/or articles of manufacture are provided that can include a polymer matrix having a plurality of ion-exchange particles distributed therein. Products by process are provided that can include prior to solidifying the polymeric precursors, blending the precursors with ion-exchange particles to form a mixture, and solidifying the mixture to form a solid polymeric composition product. Solid polymeric composition production methods are also provided that can include providing a plurality of ion-exchange particles, prior to solidifying the polymeric precursors, blending the precursors with the ion-exchange particles to form a mixture, and solidifying the mixture to form a solid polymeric composition. Article of manufacture production methods are provided that can include incorporating a solid polymeric composition into an article of manufacture, the solid polymeric composition including a polymer matrix and a plurality of ion-exchange particles distributed therein.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for promoting healing of tissue of a vertebrate organism. The compositions can be for internal administration of a therapeutically effective amount of pharmacologically active, protease inhibiting, aqueous media soluble polysulfonated materials in salt form and associated with a secondary material to reduce one or more of inflammation, bacterial proliferation, proteolytic activity, and cancerous cell growth. The compositions may additionally or alternatively be cross-linked so as to alter the solubility of these pharmacologically active salts or slow dissolution by providing biodegradable cross-linkers. Compositions for healing the tissue of a multicellular organism are provided that can include a polysulfonated material in a liquid mixture, as solid particles or constructs that may or may not biodegrade or deliver a pharmacologically relevant value.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to products and processes relating to compatible polymer blends comprising at least one sulfonated polymer and at least one non-sulfonated polymer. The sulfonated polymers may be produced using a number of sulfonating agents including a coordination complex of sulfur trioxide. The polymeric blended materials described herein are useful in a variety of applications, including as coatings for medical devices, protective clothing and fabric, laboratory equipment, vascular stents and shunts, absorbent materials and separation membranes, three-dimensional constructs, devices, and other uses.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to products and processes relating to compatible polymer blends comprising at least one sulfonated polymer and at least one non-sulfonated polymer. The sulfonated polymers may be produced using a number of sulfonating agents including a coordination complex of sulfur trioxide. The polymeric blended materials described herein are useful in a variety of applications, including as coatings for medical devices, protective clothing and fabric, laboratory equipment, vascular stents and shunts, absorbent materials and separation membranes, three-dimensional constructs, devices, and other uses.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to products and processes relating to compatible polymer blends comprising at least one sulfonated polymer and at least one non-sulfonated polymer. The sulfonated polymers may be produced using a number of sulfonating agents including a coordination complex of sulfur trioxide. The polymeric blended materials described herein are useful in a variety of applications, including as coatings for medical devices, protective clothing and fabric, laboratory equipment, vascular stents and shunts, absorbent materials and separation membranes, three-dimensional constructs, devices, and other uses.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for promoting healing of tissue of a vertebrate organism. The compositions can be for internal administration of a therapeutically effective amount of pharmacologically active, protease inhibiting, aqueous media soluble polysulfonated materials in salt form and associated with a secondary material to reduce one or more of inflammation, bacterial proliferation, proteolytic activity, and cancerous cell growth. The compositions may additionally or alternatively be cross-linked so as to alter the solubility of these pharmacologically active salts or slow dissolution by providing biodegradable cross-linkers. Compositions for healing the tissue of a multicellular organism are provided that can include a polysulfonated material in a liquid mixture, as solid particles or constructs that may or may not biodegrade or deliver a pharmacologically relevant value.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that includes a block, a cylinder head having an intake valve port and exhaust valve port formed therein, a piston, and a combustion chamber defined by the block, the piston, and the head. At least one thermoelectric device is positioned within either or both the intake valve port and the exhaust valve port. Each of the valves is configured to move within a respective intake and exhaust valve port thereby causing said valves to engage the thermoelectric devices resulting in heat transfer from the valves to the thermoelectric devices. The intake valve port and exhaust valve port are configured to fluidly direct intake air and exhaust gas, respectively, into the combustion chamber and the thermoelectric device is positioned within the intake valve port, and exhaust valve port, such that the thermoelectric device is in contact with the intake air and exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method for reducing pollutant emissions of a power system may include the steps of providing a first portion of an ethanol additive to a first power source, wherein the first power source includes a combustion chamber. The method may also include supplying a second portion of the ethanol additive to a second power source and providing a primary fuel to the combustion chamber. The method may further include the steps of combusting at least a portion of primary fuel and at least some of the first portion of ethanol additive in the combustion chamber, wherein the combustion results in formation of an exhaust-gas stream, providing a third portion of ethanol additive to the exhaust-gas stream, and exposing the exhaust-gas stream to a selective catalytic reduction system catalyst.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine operating method and high power density internal combustion engine, including an engine housing with a plurality of cylinders. Fuel injectors are provided and disposed at least partially within each cylinder, and configured to inject fuel such as diesel, JP8 or another fuel therein for compression ignition. The engine is configured to burn a quantity of injected fuel to yield at least about 150 horsepower per liter of engine displacement at a smoke output of less than about 0.4 grams, and in some cases less than about 0.75 grams, smoke per horsepower-hour, at a fuel consumption of less than about 250 grams fuel per kilowatt-hour output of the engine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an internal combustion engine having an engine housing with at least one cylinder that has diameter less than about 3 inches. A fuel injector is provided and disposed at least partially within the at least one cylinder, and includes a plurality of outlet orifices having a diameter between about 50 microns and about 110 microns. The disclosure further provides a method of operating an internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of rotating an engine crank shaft of the engine at a speed greater than about 5000 revolutions per minute, injecting a quantity of fuel into each of the cylinders, and burning at least every fourth piston stroke a sufficient quantity of the injected fuel to yield a brake mean effective pressure of at least about 200 lbs. per square inch.