Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for altering temperature in a mammalian body. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise core body temperature of a mammalian subject. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise the temperature of glabrous skin of a mammalian subject.

Abstract: A dual guidewire exchange catheter system and methods are provided herein. The dual guidewire exchange catheter system includes two lumens for receiving therethrough a main vessel guidewire and a branch vessel guidewire, respectively. The catheter includes an exit port for each guidewire, at least one of which is a shorter distance from the distal end of the catheter system than the distance from the distal end to the proximal end of the catheter. This allows for management of relatively short guidewire lengths outside the body.

Abstract: Present invention is a medical catheter apparatus used for implanting a vascular stent into a vessel of a living body comprising a catheter (2) provided with a balloon (3), on which a vascular stent (4) is mounted, and a sheath into which the catheter is relatively movably inserted. The catheter is provided at the middle portion with a guide wire leading-out opening (11) for leading out the inserted guide wire (9) toward the side direction of the catheter, the sheath is provided at a middle portion with a guide wire drawing-out opening (13) for drawing the guide wire drawn from the catheter out of the sheath, and a guide wire drawing-out guiding mechanism (14) is provided between the guide wire leading-out opening and the guide wire drawing-out opening for guiding the guide wire led out from the guide wire leading-out opening to the guide wire drawing-out opening.

Abstract: A vascular occluding device for modifying blood flow in a vessel, while maintaining blood flow to the surrounding tissue. The occluding device includes a flexible, easily compressible and bendable occluding device that is particularly suited for treating aneurysms in the brain. The neurovascular occluding device can be deployed using a micro-catheter. The occluding device can be formed by braiding wires in a helical fashion and can have varying lattice densities along the length of the occluding device. The occluding device could also have different lattice densities for surfaces on the same radial plane.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen and, in particular, to an axially nested, diametrically expandable, slide and lock vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The axially nested vascular device desirably achieves both competitive crossing profiles while maintaining other key features, such as, for example, radial strength and luminal patency. The collapsed profile can also be made very thin without compromising radial strength. Thus, the vascular device can advantageously be deployed in small and difficult to reach areas or vessels. The axial nesting substantially eliminates radial overlap between mating structural elements thereby desirably allowing for a low, uniform profile.

Abstract: Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices to a target location within a subject. In some embodiments the medical devices can be locked in a fully deployed and locked configuration. In some embodiments the delivery systems are configured with a single actuator to control the movement of multiple components of the delivery system. In some embodiments the actuator controls the independent and dependent movement of multiple components of the delivery system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular supporting prosthesis, comprising two terminal regions relative to the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis and a center region disposed between the two terminal regions, wherein every terminal region is provided with a mesh structure made of at least two structural rings, which are connected to each other via connecting members and are disposed point-symmetrically about the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis. The center region is formed by elongated connecting members, which are connected to the structural rings respectively disposed adjacent to the center of the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis. An aortic valve, which is produced by means of tissue engineering, is fastened and/or integrated in the center region.

Abstract: A transluminal cardiac valve includes an expandable generally tubular cage including when expanded a generally uniform central region, first and second ends each diametrically constricted relative to the central region, a blood impervious region extending from the first end of the cage to within the generally uniform central region, and an inflatable plunger freely disposed and captured within the cage when inflated.

Abstract: The invention refers to a catheter pump to be positioned in the ascending aorta (11) near the aortic valve (10) of a human being, comprising an elongated sleeve 6 with a drive cable (5) extending through the sleeve and connectable at its proximal end to an external drive source and a drive rotor near the distal end of the drive cable (5) mounted on a drive shaft (4) being connected with the drive cable (5), wherein the drive rotor consist of a propeller (3) being enclosed in a cage (2) and wherein the propeller (3) and the cage (2) are foldable from an insertion position close to the drive shaft (4) to an expanded working position, characterized by means (7, 7a, 2a, 19) for anchoring the drive rotor (3) in the ascending aorta (11) near the aortic valve (10) after insertion. The invention also refers to a method to position the pumping means of a catheter pump in the ascending aorta (11) just above the aortic valve (10).

Abstract: Custom moldable cushions for covering medical implants fastened to a bone are provided. Such cushions inhibit irritation of the surrounding soft tissue by covering the bone-implant interface and by reducing friction caused by movement of soft tissue adjacent the implant. Such cushions may also be employed to spread and absorb forces reducing patient discomfort and risk of injury and infection associated with such implants.

Abstract: A system for single tunnel, double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction includes implant constructs and instruments. The implant constructs provide a combination of cortical fixation and bone tunnel aperture fixation. The implant constructs separate a graft into distinct bundles. The instruments are used to prepare shaped bone tunnels to receive the implant constructs and graft bundles. Methods for reconstructing the antero-medial and postero-lateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament may rely on single femoral and tibial tunnels and a single strand of graft.

Abstract: A knee implant includes a femoral component having first and second femoral component surfaces. The first femoral component surface is for securing to a surgically prepared compartment of a distal end of a femur. The second femoral component surface is configured to replicate the femoral condyle. The knee implant further includes a tibial component having first and second tibial component surfaces. The first tibial component surface is for contacting a proximal surface of the tibia that is substantially uncut subchondral bone. At least a portion of the first tibial component surface is a mirror image of the proximal tibial surface. The second tibial component surface articulates with the second femoral component surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for insertion into a spondylosed intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first flange for longitudinally engaging a first vertebra during longitudinal insertion therein, and a second component having a second flange for longitudinally engaging a second vertebra during longitudinal insertion therein. One of the first and second components comprises a projection and the other of the first and second components comprises a recess, the projection and recess being adapted to engage one another. One of the projection and the recess are offset relative to the other of the projection and the recess to accommodate the spondylosed relationship between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant that is configured to be inserted into an intervertebral space along a direction of insertion is provided. The intervertebral space is defined by a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body that are opposed in a transverse direction. The intervertebral implant may include a body and a first keel. The body may have first and second opposing outer surfaces that are each configured to engage one of the superior and inferior vertebral bodies. The first keel may extend out from the first outer surface in an outward direction and may define a lateral width that increases with respect to an outward direction along the first keel such that an outer portion of the first keel is wider than an inner portion of the first keel. The lateral width may be substantially transverse to the insertion direction and the outward direction.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant is configured to be fixed in an intervertebral space defined by a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The intervertebral implant includes an implant body sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space, and a fixation assembly configured to be attached to the implant body. The fixation assembly includes a housing that defines a first vertebral body facing surface and a second vertebral body facing surface spaced from the first vertebral body facing surface along a transverse direction. The fixation assembly further includes at least one fixation member supported by the housing and movable from a retracted position to an extended position, whereby in the extended position the fixation member extends out from the housing and into one of the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Bone implantable devices and methodologies permit careful application of biologically active substances and management of bone growth processes. The device includes a body defining a carrier receiving area for locating adjacent bone. Carrier material is located in the carrier receiving area. Substance is delivered onto carrier material through a port. A pathway delivers substance from the carrier receiving area to the bone surface. The body may be in the form of a spinal fusion cage, facet fusion screw, artificial joint, bone fixation plate, interbody graft, IM nail, hip stem, or other bone-to-bone appliances or bone-to-device appliances. In use, carrier is installed in the carrier receiving area of the device. The device is then implanted adjacent a bone. The substance is applied to the carrier for subsequent delivery to the bone. By doping carrier material after device implantation, inadvertent contact of the substance with non-target bone is more easily eliminated.

Abstract: An implant for an intervertebral space with a shaped body. The implant makes possible rotation of the implant about the longitudinal axis of the body in one direction and prevents such rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, and a substantially hollow center in communication with a vertical aperture. The body, vertical aperture, and bone contact surfaces of the implant each have a surface area that may be independently varied to enhance load support and facilitate implant integration with vertebral bone.

Abstract: A proximal humeral prosthesis includes a humeral head having a distal end and a proximal end adapted to be coupled to a glenoid cavity of a scapula; a humeral stem core having an outer surface, a distal end, and a proximal end adapted to be coupled to the distal end of the humeral head; a humeral stem graft having an inner surface adapted to be coupled to at least a portion of the outer surface of the humeral stem core, a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer surface including at least one tendon attachment site; and an intramedullary stem having a proximal end adapted to be coupled to the distal end of the humeral stem core and a distal end adapted to be coupled to at least one bone of a skeleton. The prosthesis can be rendered modular and can further include a spacer segment. Resorption of bone from the humeral stem graft can be inhibited by compression of the humeral stem graft.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis assembly can comprise a tibial tray and a tibial insert. The tibial tray can have an inferior bone engaging surface, a superior surface, and a first retaining feature. The tibial insert can have an inferior tray engaging surface, a superior bearing surface, and a second retaining feature. The first and second retaining features can cooperate to inhibit substantial lift-off of the tibial insert away from the superior surface of the tibial tray while permitting a predetermined amount of rotation of the tibial insert around the superior surface in an assembled position.

Abstract: An implant for the trapezium of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint comprising an integral elastomeric member configured to include a body portion having a tapered neck, having extending from one end thereof an elongated, longitudinally extending tapered portion adapted to be embedded into a reamed out-channel in the thumb metacarpal bone. After implantation, in the preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a segment of a nearby tendon, for example, the APL or FCR tendons, may be wrapped around the tapered neck of the implant to secure it in position, thereby forming a reinforced structure to inhibit dislocation of the prosthesis. However, in other methods, various other securing elements, including, but not limited to acellular matrices, may be used to retain the implant in position.

Abstract: Methods, devices and compositions for fusing adjacent vertebrae, and otherwise localizing bone growth, are provided. In one form of the invention, a method for fusing adjacent vertebrae includes preparing a disc space for receipt of an intervertebral disc implant in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae, inserting the implant into the intervertebral disc space and providing an osteoinductive composition that includes an osteoinductive factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The carrier is advantageously substantially impermeable to efflux of the osteoinductive factor and is released as the carrier is resorbed or biodegraded. Preferred carriers include a hardened, resorbable carrier, such as a calcium phosphate cement that retains at least about 50% of the osteoinductive factors greater than about 2 days. Preferred osteoinductive factors are growth factors and include bone morphogenetic proteins and LIM mineralization proteins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes an apparatus that can be threaded over a guidewire into place at or adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a chamber that encloses a hemostatic material therein. When the apparatus is positioned adjacent the wound as desired, the hemostatic material is deployed from the chamber. A blocking member distal of the hemostatic material functions as a barrier to prevent the hemostatic material from entering the wound. Blood contacts the hemostatic material, and blood clotting preferably is facilitated by a hemostatic agent within the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by blood clot formation.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic system including a magnetorheological (MR) damper. The MR damper may be configured to operate in shear mode. In one embodiment, the MR damper includes a rotary MR damper. A controller is configured to operate the damper. A mobile computing device may be adapted to intermittently communicate configuration parameters to the controller. A method of configuring a prosthetic or orthotic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bleaching composition for keratin fibers, especially human hair, comprising at least one compound with bleaching and/or highlighting effect and a magnesium salt. Further object of the present invention is the use of at least one magnesium salt in a bleaching and/or highlighting composition for keratin fibers, especially for human hair, comprising at least one compound with bleaching and/or highlighting effect for preventing temperature increase going above 50° C., preferably above 45° C. and more preferably above 40° C. in a period of at least 60 min after mixing water free bleaching and/or highlighting composition and oxidizing lotion.

Abstract: A hair colorant composition comprises 3-amino-2,6-dimethylphenol in combination with a second dye coupler selected from the group consisting of 2,6-dihydroxyethylaminotoluene, 2,6-diaminopyridine and a developer selected from the group consisting of 4-aminophenol, 4-amino-3-methylphenol, 4-(methylamino)phenol. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.

Abstract: There is provided a simple-structured and inexpensive device for stacking a successive separator and sheet electrodes which can protect an end portion of a sheet electrode when folding the successive separator, and which enables smooth folding of the separator to improve the productivity. The device comprises a stacking stage 10 which adsorbs and holds a leading end of the tape-like separator S, and on which sheet electrodes P, N and the separator S are successively stacked, separator reciprocating means for reciprocating the tape-like separator S on the stacking stage 10 with the stacking stage 10 being as a center, and a folding guide member 20 which comes close/moves apart relative to the stacking stage 10, covers both side ends of the stacked sheet electrode P, N in the moving direction of the separator S, and guides folding of the separator S accompanied by a reciprocal movement of the separator S at both side ends of the sheet electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a cable-type secondary battery including preparing an electrode assembly having a horizontal cross section of a predetermined shape and extending longitudinally, the electrode assembly including an inner current collector, an anode active material layer, a cathode active material layer, and an electrolyte layer interposed between the anode active material layer and the cathode active material layer, preparing a heat-shrinkable protection coating by forming a thin-film outer current collector on the inner surface of a heat-shrinkable tube, and inserting the electrode assembly into the heat-shrinkable protection coating and heating to shrink the heat-shrinkable protection coating such that the shrunken protection coating is closely adhered to the outer surface of the electrode assembly. The manufacturing method may eliminate the need of post-processing such as drying, thereby simplifying the method and carrying out the method in a continuous manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrochemical cells having a jellyroll electrode assembly that includes a lithium-based negative electrode, a positive electrode with a coating comprising greater than about 94 wt. % of iron disulfide.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating multi-purpose H2-dense fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a renewable multi-purpose biomaterial for isolating a hazardous contaminant from an environment and storing energy includes dissociating biomass waste using a thermochemical reaction to produce at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol by applying waste heat recovered from an external heat source. The method includes dissociating the at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol to generate carbon and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process is harvested and reacted with the hydrogen to generate the hydrogen-dense fuel. A hazardous contaminant is dissolved in the hydrogen-dense fuel operating as a solvent to generate a liquid mixture that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant includes at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. The process comprises mixing the aquatic biomass with a particulate catalytic material; subjecting the aquatic biomass to a catalytic cracking reaction to form a reaction mixture comprising a bio-oil; and isolating the bio-oil from the reaction mixture. Preferably the process is integrated with a plant for producing aquatic biomass, so that heat and CO2 generated during the process may be used in the production of aquatic biomass.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for converting light glycol streams of biological origin into products suitable for use as oxygenated fuel additives. These methods involve the acidic condensation of light glycols to form larger products, termed low molecular weight poly-glycols. The remaining hydroxyl functional groups of the poly-glycol products are then modified to decrease the overall polarity of the products, and improve their suitability for use as an oxygenated fuel additive.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a fuel element for a smoking article including the steps of mixing a metal-containing catalyst precursor with a filler material or graphite or a combination thereof to form a pre-treated fuel element component; optionally calcining the pre-treated fuel element component in order to convert the catalyst precursor to a catalytic metal compound; after the optional calcining step, combining the pre-treated fuel element component with a carbonaceous material and a binder to produce a fuel element composition; and forming the fuel element composition into a fuel element adapted for use in a smoking article. Examples of metal-containing catalyst precursors include iron nitrate, copper nitrate, cerium nitrate, cerium ammonium nitrate, manganese nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and zinc nitrate. Fuel elements treated according to the invention, and smoking articles including such fuel elements, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, methods of making the fuel feed stocks, methods of producing energy from the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles and contain a sorbent. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels. In addition, one or more sorbents can be added to the feed stocks in order to reduce the amount of a variety of pollutants present in traditional fuel and feed stocks, including, but not limited, sulfur and chlorine. Further, these feed stocks with added sorbent can mitigate corrosion, improve fuel conversion, extend power generating plant lifetime, reduce ash slagging, and reduced operating temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generation of hydrogen. The apparatus includes a hydrogen reactor chamber (99) and a plurality of catalysts within the chamber (99) forming distinct zones or portions (200, 202, and 204), each zone or portion comprising a distinct catalyst or combination thereof. The plurality of catalysts include at least one of a high-activity steam reformation catalyst, coke resistant steam reformation catalyst and steam reformation catalyst that promotes a water gas shift reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydrogen generating apparatus for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon feed through a steam reforming reaction, in which a pressure drop device is installed between a feed distributor and each of reactor tubes in order to prevent the feed from being unevenly distributed to the reactor tubes. In the hydrogen generating apparatus, the pressure drop device for artificially dropping the supply pressure of the feed is installed between the feed distributor and each of the reactor tubes which are concentrically arranged with respect to a heat source. Accordingly, if the feed is unevenly distributed, the pressure drop device can suppress an abnormal temperature rise in some of the reactor tubes to induce the smooth production of hydrogen and to greatly improve the operational safety of the hydrogen generating apparatus.

Abstract: A reformer having high durability and including a heating unit and a reforming unit. The heating unit has a hollow cylindrical shape or polygonal shape and a first combustor and a second combustor that receives and oxidizes heating unit fuel and anode off gas (AOG) at both ends thereof. The reforming unit includes a first reforming portion formed to surround the exterior of the heating unit, a second reforming portion formed to surround the exterior of the first reforming portion and a flow path portion connecting the first reforming portion and the second reforming portion to provide fluid communication therebetween. The flow path portion includes a pre-deformed portion extending along a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the heating unit.

Abstract: An equipment for carrying out a process for producing synthesis gas (S) from biomass, includes a storage unit (1) for biomass and means (3; 5, 6) to carry out pyrolysis and combustion of the biomass. The equipment further includes first or second heat exchanging means (7, 9; 15) to receive outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) from the means (3; 5, 6) to carry out pyrolysis and combustion of the biomass, a gas purification unit (10) to receive the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) that are cooled in the first or second heat exchanging means (7, 9; 15), means (11) to supply a process gas (P) from the gas purification unit (10) to the first heat exchanging means (7, 9), and a reduction shaft (12) to carry out reduction of the process gas (P) discharged from the first heat exchanging means (7, 9).

Abstract: A catalytic combustor and a fuel reformer having the same. The catalytic combustor includes a housing having a cylindrical reaction portion and a second reaction portion surrounding the first reaction portion in a double tube shape. The housing has a first opening for supplying a first fuel and an oxidant to the first reaction portion and a second opening through which an exhaust in the second reaction portion is discharged. The first and second openings are disposed at first sides of the first and second reaction portions, respectively. The first and second reaction portions are connected with each other so that the fluid is communicated with the first and second reaction portions at second sides of the first and second reaction portions. A catalyst is disposed in the first reaction portion, and a mesh layer is inserted into the second reaction portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing syngas are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, a hydrocarbon can be reformed in the presence of steam and one or more first catalysts in a first reaction zone to provide an effluent containing a portion of the hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen at a first temperature. The first reaction zone can include one or more catalyst-containing tubes. The effluent can be indirectly heated from the first temperature to a second temperature. The effluent at the second temperature can be reformed in the presence of one or more oxidants and one or more second catalysts at conditions sufficient to provide a syngas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and less than about 5% mol, dry basis, methane. The syngas can be used to indirectly heat the effluent from the first temperature to the second temperature.

Abstract: A coal gasifier is retrofitted to achieve multiple advantages such as reduced oxygen consumption, reduced CO2 and NOx emissions, better H:C ratio, better carbon conversion etc. This is achieved by dividing the coal into at least two zones and modifying the gasifier and operating it as described. The coal is injected into a first zone, configured to devolatilize a substantial portion of the injected coal to produce coal char and volatiles. The operation is tuned to substantially consume the oxidant injected in the first zone. A low-calorific-value, high oxidant feedstock is injected in second zone of the gasifier. The devolatilization of the low-calorific-value, high oxidant content feedstock provides the oxygen containing compounds which gasify at least a portion of the coal char generated in the first zone.

Abstract: To provide an abrasive material product which shows an excellent effect of controlling heat generation in abrasive work and which causes no smearing in abrasive work in dry mode. An abrasive material product comprising a binder and an inclusion compound composed of a host compound and a lubricant contained therein as a guest compound.

Abstract: An abrasive article having an abrasive body including abrasive grains contained within a bond material, wherein the abrasive grains comprise microcrystalline alumina, and wherein the bond material includes less than about 1.0 mol % phosphorous oxide (P2O5), and a ratio measured in mol % between a total content of sodium oxide (Na2O) and a total content of potassium oxide (K2O) defined by [K2O/Na2O] having a value greater than about 0.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultra-hard cutting elements, and in particular cutting elements or compacts formed by a pulsed electrical field assisted HPHT sintering process or a spark plasma HPHT sintering process. In an embodiment, a method of forming a polycrystalline ultra-hard material includes providing a mixture of ultra-hard particles, placing the mixture of ultra-hard particles into an enclosure, placing the enclosure into a press cell assembly having a heater, applying a repeated high-energy pulse of direct current to the heater to heat the ultra-hard particles, and pressing the enclosure at sufficient pressure to form a polycrystalline ultra-hard material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polishing agent comprising: water; tetravalent metal hydroxide particles; and an additive, wherein the additive contains at least one of a cationic polymer and a cationic polysaccharide. The present invention can provide a polishing agent which is capable of polishing an insulating film at a high speed with less polishing flaws, and having a high polishing rate ratio of a silicon oxide film and a stopper film, in the CMP technology of flattening insulating film. The present invention can also provide a polishing agent set for storing the polishing agent, and a method for polishing a substrate using this polishing agent.

Abstract: An air filter cartridge has Z-media and a gasket arrangement with a perimeter gasket member against the downstream flow face and a side gasket member adjacent to at least a partial extension of a first side panel. The side gasket member includes no portion against second, third, and fourth side panels of the air filter cartridge. The air filter cartridge can be used in a dust collector having a tubesheet and a frame arrangement extending from the tubesheet. The perimeter gasket member seals against the frame arrangement and the side gasket member seals against the tubesheet. A method of servicing includes orienting the air filter cartridge against a guide ramp and moving the filter cartridge until the side gasket member is engaged against the tubesheet sealing surface.

Abstract: A pressure control valve assembly, (i.e. pressure regulator valve assembly) is described which is configured for at least a two stage operation including: a first stage in which flow is allowed through two sections of the valve frame; and, a second stage in which the valve member is biased against one of the sections of the valve frame and not the second section. Specific example features and configurations are depicted and described. A crankcase ventilation filter assembly including the pressure control valve assembly is described.

Abstract: A replacement filter deployed within a flow channel with a housing having a first frame member and a second frame member that are detachable with an exposure slot formed within the housing. A filter media storage area is within the housing, having unexposed, folded, pleated filter media stored therein. The unexposed folded, pleated filter media is compactly held within the filter media storage area. A motor is coupled to a power supply and in communication with a controller. The motor moving a movement member that advances an unexposed portion of the stacked pleated filter media into the exposure slot, expanding and exposing the unexposed portion of the media to the flow channel while retaining pleats and creating an exposed portion of the filter media. A containment area is provided where the exposed portion of the pleated filter media is collected folded, restacked and compactly stored and retained.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an air box for an internal combustion engine, including a housing, having two suction openings as well as an outlet.

Abstract: Techniques and tools reduce pH drift downward in growth media triggered by plant growth or ammoniated fertilizers. Methods and compositions provide growing media with buffering potential to prevent pH drifts in the growing media. A compost composition has a buffering potential against pH changes. A carbonate index test provides information on a buffering potential of a compost composition. A growing medium includes a compost composition with a buffering potential to provide a stable pH that is conducive to plant growth in the growing medium.