Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing current spread in nerve stimulation therapy are described herein. The disclosed methods and devices utilize a novel neural conductor placed between electrodes in an implantable medical device. The neural conductor provides a path for the current to pass through rather than allowing current to spread to neighboring tissues. In an embodiment, an electrode assembly for reducing current spread in nerve stimulation therapy comprises a first and a second electrode adapted to be coupled to a target nerve. In addition, the electrode assembly comprises a neural conductor which is spaced apart from the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A plasma assisted reactor for the removal of carbonaceous combustion products or for simultaneous removal of carbonaceous products and nitrogen oxides from the exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine, wherein the reactor includes a gas permeable bed made at least primarily of active materials comprising perovskite or vanadate.

Abstract: A reactor chamber forms part of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. Within the chamber are electrodes between which there is disposed a bed of active material through which, in use, the exhaust gases pass. In the presence of an electrical discharge, driven by an electrical voltage applied across the electrodes, the active material has a catalytic action in the reduction of nitrogenous oxides in the exhaust and also acts to remove hydrocarbons from the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A reactor (1) particularly for the plasma treatment of internal combustion engine exhaust gases, in which a power supply (10) and a reactor bed (2) of the dielectric barrier discharge type are connected directly and enclosed in an earthed metal chamber (17) which both isolates the high voltage power supply and acts as a Faraday cage preventing the emission of electromagnetic radiation from the power supply or plasma.

Abstract: A reactor for the plasma-assisted processing of a gaseous medium, including a pair of electrodes having facing surfaces the separation of which is substantially uniform, with a body of dielectric material positioned between them and defining a plurality of gas passages extending through the space between the electrodes.

Abstract: A power supply and control system for a motor vehicle incorporating a plasma-assisted reactor for treatment of exhaust emissions and including a power source for supplying first and second output voltages.

Abstract: A reactor chamber forms part of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. Within the chamber are electrodes between which there is disposed a bed of active material through which, in use, the exhaust gases pass. In the presence of an electrical discharge, driven by an electrical voltage applied across the electrodes, the active material has a catalytic action in the reduction of nitrogenous oxides in the exhaust and also acts to remove hydrocarbons from the exhaust gases.

Abstract: The space between parallel electrode plates (12, 13) of the reactor is dimensioned to make it possible to produce plasma at reasonable applied potential within the gas passages (15) of a monolithic substrate, such as a wallflow filter, in a slice (11) positioned between the electrode plates (12, 13).

Abstract: A reactor (100) for the plasma assisted processing of a gaseous medium, including a cylindrical bed (106) of active material (107) contained between two concentric electrodes (108, 109), both of which are earthed and with a third cylindrical electrode (111) concentric with the other electrodes positioned within the bed of active material (107) and connected to a high voltage input terminal (112).

Abstract: A plasma assisted reactor for the removal of carbonaceous combustion products or for simultaneous removal of carbonaceous combustion products and nitrogen oxides from the exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine, wherein the reactor includes a gas permeable bed made at least primarily of an active material having the general formula A1-xA1xB1-yB1yO3 or MxM11-xVO3 or M4V2O7.

Abstract: A reactor for the plasma-assisted processing of gaseous media comprising a reactor chamber including a gas permeable bed of active material, a power source for applying across the bed of active material a potential sufficient to establish a plasma in a gaseous medium flowing through the bed of active material and a chamber having an inlet stub and an outlet stub for constraining the gaseous medium to flow through the bed of active material, wherein the bed of active material comprises a matrix of beads of a dielectric material having an assembly of regular arrays of beads in each of which adjacent beads are connected to a high voltage input terminal or an electrical ground.

Abstract: A reactor for the plasma processing of gaseous media, especially internal combustion engine exhaust, has a bed made of a body of ceramic material a series of gas permeable electrodes embedded within the bed. The electrodes are distributed to provide a predetermined electric field distribution within the bed.

Abstract: A reactor for the plasma assisted processing of gaseous media, including a cylindrical reactor bed of gas permeable dielectric material contained between two co-axial electrodes, wherein the inner electrode has associated with it a number of radially projecting vanes or disks made of a dielectric material having a permittivity greater than that of the reactor bed material.

Abstract: A reactor (100) for the plasma assisted treatment of effluent gases such as exhaust from internal combustion engines, and effluent gases from industrial processes and incineration. The reactor includes a stage for the plasma-assisted processing of noxious components in the effluent, such as carbonaceous combustion products from internal combustion engines. A diverter valve (119) is provided for bypassing at least that stage should it become blocked, for example by untreated carbonaceous combustion products. In a particular form of the reactor the treatment stages are modular in form.

Abstract: A reactor for non-thermal plasma assisted treatment of a gaseous medium incorporates at least one electrically conducting mesh filter element positioned so that gaseous medium passes therethrough. At least one dielectric barrier layer provides for a dielectric barrier type discharge, when an electrical power supply is connected to the electrodes to generate the plasma.

Abstract: A reactor particularly for the plasma treatment of internal combustion engine exhaust gases, in which a power supply and reactor bed are connected directly and enclosed in an earthed metal chamber which both isolates the high voltage power supply and acts as a Faraday cage preventing the emission of electromagnetic radiation from the power supply or plasma.

Abstract: A reactor for the plasma processing of gaseous media, especially internal combustion engine exhaust, has a bed made of a body of ceramic material and electrodes. At least one electrode terminates within the bed at a distance from earthed supporting structure to avoid or reduce the risk of tracking or arcing between the electrode and the supporting structure.

Abstract: A reactor for the plasma processing of gaseous media, especially internal combustion engine exhaust, has a bed made of a body of ceramic material and electrodes. At least one electrode terminates within the bed at a distance from earthed supporting structure to avoid or reduce the risk of tracking or arcing between the electrode and the supporting structure.