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 process and apparatus for removal of ash from a waste activated sludge stream includes a pressure regulator for controlling the pressure of incoming waste activated sludge containing water or supernatant, carbon and ash as suspended solids; a first stage separation including a plurality of parallel mounted hydrocyclones for receiving the controlled pressure incoming waste activated sludge for separation into a first fluid output containing substantially supernatant and carbon and a second fluid output containing a greater concentration of ash; and a second separation stage including a vibrating screen which receives the second fluid output from the first separation stage, such vibrating screen allowing substantially only the passage of supernatant and carbon therethrough thus producing a third fluid output and a fourth output of ash concentrate which can be ultimately removed from the process.