Abstract: A stent and a method for fabricating the stent are disclosed. The stent has an originally flat pattern and connection points where the sides of the flat pattern are joined. The method includes the steps of a) cutting a stent pattern into a flat piece of metal thereby to produce a metal pattern, b) deforming the metal pattern so as to cause two opposing sides to meet, and c) joining the two opposing sides at least at one point. Substantially no portion of the stent projects into the lumen of the stent when the stent is expanded against the internal wall of a blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis, useful in treating, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis comprises a self-expandable wire support structure having a tubular main body support and first and second branch supports. The branch supports articulate with the main body so as to permit the branches to extend laterally from the axis of the main body throughout a substantial range of motion.

Abstract: A transmyocardial implant includes a hollow conduit having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is received within the lumen. The first portion has an axial dimension aligned with an axis of the vessel. The second portion is sized to extend from the vessel through the myocardium into the heart chamber. The conduit has open first and second ends on axial ends of respective ones of the first and second portions to define a blood flow pathway within an interior of the conduit between the first and second ends. A collar surrounds an exterior of the artery overlying the first portion at the first open end.

Abstract: A medical device is described which has on a surface thereof a bio-compatible coating. This bio-compatible coating is formed from a composition which includes an aqueous emulsion or dispersion of a polycarbonate-polyurethane composition containing one or more internal emulsifying agents.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a substantially flexible suture guide of predetermined length in a substantially taut position used to achieve a suture line having a dimension equal to the length of the suture guide, such as the circumference about a heart valve annulus. The assembly includes a rigid suture guide holder having a surface against which the length of suture guide is releasably positioned. The guide holder can have a shape or geometry, such as a circumference or circumferential segment, equivalent to the shape or geometry of the intended suture line. The shape of the guide holder can therefore be selected to hold the suture guide in the shape most advantageous to placing the desired suture line.

Abstract: In general, the present invention comprises an holding apparatus for facilitating implantation of a prosthetic heart valve within a mammalian heart. The holding apparatus generally comprises a cage or enclosure having a heart valve prosthesis retention space defined therewith. The proximal end of the holding apparatus is releasably attached to the proximal end of the heart valve prosthesis such that, when the holding apparatus is advanced in a forward direction, a “pulling” force will be exerted upon the proximal end of the prosthesis, rather than a “pushing” force being exerted upon the distal end of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An improved mechanical heart valve that reduces the time required to perform heart valve replacement surgery is provided. The mechanical heart valve is comprised of a valve body and a plurality of staples extending around the valve body that are coupled to the valve body through at least one intermediate member.

Abstract: A single chamber mechanical heart has a movable vane journaled in the apex of the casing, an inlet port and an outlet port in each side wall of the chamber, and means for mechanically reciprocating the vane to pump blood on either side of the vane. The vane can be electromagnetically positioned using electro magnets or a shaft drive through the chest of the patient. The blood pressure and rate can be controlled by appropriate motion of the vane.

Abstract: A segmented scleral expansion band adapted for implantation within or fastening to a segment of the sclera of an eye lying outside of and adjacent to the ciliary body of the eye, is formed from a number of arcuate segments, curved to match the curvature of the globe of the eye, and joined together at each end to form a complete scleral expansion band. The band is implanted in the sclera of the eye by forming circumferential tunnels, inserting the band segments through the tunnels, and joining the ends of the segments to form a complete scleral expansion band. The scleral expansion band is useful in treating presbyopia and other ocular disorders.

Abstract: A supplemental intraocular lens is provided for implantation in the eye to modify the lens system of the eye comprising the cornea and the natural lens or an intraocular lens already implanted in the eye, to create a modified lens system having teledioptic or other diffractive capabilities to correct for macular degeneration. To create the teledioptic lens system, the supplemental intraocular lens has substantially no refractive power except for a high minus lens portion at its center. The supplemental intraocular lens, when implanted on the natural or previously implanted artificial lens in the eye and used without an external lens, allows light rays entering the eye onto the retina of the eye as they would without the supplemental intraocular lens, thus providing unmagnified and peripherally unrestricted vision.

Abstract: A corrective intraocular lens system comprises a primary intraocular lens for implanting into an individual's aphakic or phakic eye. The primary intraocular lens includes an optic portion having an optical axis and an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and includes attachment means for maintaining the optic portion centered along the optical axis of the individual's eye. The optic portion is formed having a narrow recess or groove formed into the anterior surface adjacent peripheral regions of the optical portion. The recess may extend completely or only partially around the optic. Included is an elastically deformable, corrective secondary intraocular lens having an optic portion with an anterior surface and a posterior surface.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens to be implanted within the natural capsular bag of a human eye from which the natural lens matrix has been removed through an anterior capsule opening in the bag circumferentially surrounded by an anterior capsular remnant. During a postoperative healing period following surgery, the anterior capsular remnant fuses to the posterior capsule of the bag by fibrosis about haptics on the implanted lens while the ciliary muscle is maintained in its relaxed state by a cycloplegic to prevent dislocation of the lens, and the lens is deflected rearwardly by the fibrosing anterior capsular remnant to a distant vision position against the elastic posterior capsule of the bag in which the posterior capsule is stretched rearwardly.

Abstract: Otologic protheses of shape-memory metal alloy self-secure about an otologic structure when heat is applied to a preformed bight by means of a laser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transplantable cartilage matrix and a method for its in vitro production.

Abstract: A shoulder prosthesis system including a plurality of connectors for interconnecting “standard” shoulder prosthesis stems with “standard” shoulder prosthesis heads. The connectors enable a selected stem to be interconnected with a selected head in a plurality of configurations having various tilt angles, and radial offsets and lengths.

Abstract: A modular humeral prosthesis for replacement of the humeral head of a humerus. The prosthesis generally comprises a stem to be fitted to a resected humerus; a head sized and configured to approximate the humeral head; and an intermediate connecting member for connecting the stem to the head. A first engagement/mounting portion is provided on the intermediate connecting member for mounting the intermediate connecting member on the stem, and a second engagement/mounting portion is provided on the intermediate connecting member for mounting the head on the intermediate connecting member. The first engagement/mounting portion has an axis about which the intermediate connecting member can be rotated through 360° relative to the stem and thereafter secured at a selected relative orientation. The second engagement/mounting portion has an axis about which the head can be rotated through 360° relative to the intermediate connecting member and thereafter secured at a selected relative rotation.

Abstract: An implant is provided for which has an outer bearing surface and an inner attachment surface. The outer bearing surface functions as ajoint contact surface for a reconstructed bone joint. The inner attachment surface contacts a bone and is attached thereto. The inner attachment surface of the implant is curvilinear from the anterior to the posterior area of the femur, and is also curvilinear from the medial to the lateral areas of the femur to approximates the shape of natural femur. The resection of the femur for accommodating the implant can be properly performed by a milling device employing one or more curvilinear milling bits.

Abstract: A bone attachment assembly for a remaining portion of a long bone diaphysis following resection is provided. The assembly includes a main body, an anchor for anchoring the device with respect to the remaining bone portion and an attachment portion for attaching the main body to the anchor. The assembly may be connected to an orthopedic appliance, an interposed orthopedic appliance connected to a second bone attachment assembly, or a transcutaneous bar for attaching an external appliance. A reaming device for creating an intramedullary cavity, a guide device for guiding an aperture-forming procedure in a remaining bone portion, and a milling device for shaping an interface surface of the bone in a preselected geometry are also provided. In the method of the present invention, a cavity is created within a remaining bone portion using the reaming device. At least one aperture is created using the guide device, and the bone surface is milled to a preselected geometry using the milling device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic foot including an integral spring portion providing motion in the foot, particularly a unitary foot structure providing a selectable degree of plantar flexion and a stiff structure for toe off. The present invention has found that an integrally formed c-shaped spring portion having an anterior gap, joining a connection platform and the heel and forefoot portions can provide a controlled range of natural mobility in a prosthetic foot as an economical design. The c-shaped spring can deflect, angling the connection platform rearwardly to a partially opened position against the bias of the spring, and angling the connection platform forwardly until the stop abuts the top surface of the forefoot in a closed position. The stop is positioned a selected distance above the top surface to obtain the desired angle of dorsiflexion.

Abstract: An artificial limb has an endoskeletal shin component which is of generally constant H-shaped cross section and is formed by injection molding from thermoplastics material. In a preferred embodiment, the limb has a foot keel which is integrally molded with the shin component. The keel also has upper flanges which are contiguous with anterior and posterior flanges of the shin component. Such a limb can be made light in weight yet strong in terms of resistance to transverse bending moments, and can be inexpensively produced. The constant cross section of the shin component allows it to be cut to a required length and clamped to an upper limb component.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot, having a forefoot member and a heel member, is comprised of two separate members forming opposite halves of the foot generally about the longitudinal axis of the foot for simulating natural rotation of the toes of a real foot. The forefoot member of the foot forms a resilient arc extending from a fixture member to a toe position and has an attachment portion, a curvilinear spring portion, an arch portion, and a toe portion. The heel member extends between the forefoot member and a heel position and has an attachment portion and a heel portion. The heel member is preferably attached to the forefoot member by wrapping the members with a resin impregnated fiber. The foot preferably has a rib-and-groove type connection between the forefoot and heel members for preventing the forefoot and heel portions from sliding and rotating with respect to each other and thus prevents shear stress form being placed on the fibers holding the members together.

Abstract: Putative Adrenomedullin Receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing Putative Adrenomedullin Receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of infections such as bacterial, fungal protozoan and viral infections, particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2; pain; cancers; diabetes, obesity; anorexia; bulimia; asthma; Parkinson's disease; acute heart failure; hypotension; hypertension, urinary retention, osteoporosis; angina pectoris; myocardial infarction, ulcers; asthma; allergies; benign prostatic hypertrophy; psychotic and neurological disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, severe mental retardation and dyskinesias, such as Huntington's disease or Gilles dela Tourett's syndrome; and pre-eclampsia, among others and diagnostic assays for such conditions.

Abstract: Fabrics are laundered in detergent compositions containing a mixture of &agr;-amylase enzymes to remove malodorous materials.

Abstract: Formulations for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers comprising a coupler and oxidation base. The couplers are represented by the following structure: wherein: Z represents the elements of C, N, O, or S necessary to complete a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic 5 or 6 member ring along with nitrogen; R1 represents a substituent group; and, X represents a hydrogen or a coupling off group.

Abstract: A process for imparting long-lasting antimicrobial properties to fabrics is disclosed which entails the diffusion of triclosan esters within each individual fiber of a textile. One preferred method is performed in a standard jet dye bath which requires a high range of temperatures to effectively color fabrics. Dyeing in this manner also involves diffusing compounds within individual fibers; thus, this manner of incorporating dyestuffs and colorants within textile fabrics provides a compatible and effective vehicle for simultaneously introducing triclosan esters within such textile fibers, also. A dye bath application is not required, however, as any procedure which allows contact between a triclosan ester derivative and a fabric at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to effectuate diffusion of the ester within each individual fiber of the fabric is also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: In order to produce aluminium oxide beads, an acid aluminium oxide sol or an acid aluminium oxide suspension is converted into droplets by a vibrating nozzle plate and pre-solidified after the formation of a bead shape by laterally blowing gaseous ammonia and then coagulated in an ammonia solution.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lithium battery is provided. The battery includes electrodes formed of a layer of an active material, the active material being capable of occluding and discharging lithium electrochemically, provided on the surface of a current collector, electrode external terminals for providing electricity to the outside of the battery, and an electrode tab joined at an end thereof to a surface of said current collector and at another end thereof to an electrode external terminal. The electrode tab has a roughened surface at the end joined to the current collector, and the roughened surface is welded to the surface of said current collector. The roughened surface is produced by chemical etching, abrasion by an abrasive, abrasion by ultrasonic waves or by blasting with an abrasive.

Abstract: An overbased magnesium composition deposit control additive for residual fuel oils and turbine fuels is an overbased magnesium sulfonate, carboxylate or phenate or mixtures thereof containing at least 14% and upwards to about 18% by weight of magnesium and containing a succinic anhydride and lower carboxylic acid co-promoter reaction product. The additive when added to fuel oils, such as residual fuel oils containing high asphaltenes, reduces, if not eliminates, magnesium/asphaltene deposits or sediment and the consequential plugging of filters. The additive also reduces, if not eliminates, vanadium caused corrosion in the turbine. The invention is also the process for preparing the overbased composition or deposit control additive, wherein the overbasing reaction incorporates the combination of a lower carboxylic acid, preferably acetic acid and a succinic anhydride, preferably dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA), as the co-promoter.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially flat coated abrasive article having a fabric-reinforced backing which may include engaging elements such as hooks for releasable attachment to the surface of an abrading apparatus and a method of making the article. The invention also provides an abrading apparatus which includes a back-up pad having releasably attached thereto the abrasive article. The article comprises a substantially flat sheet-like substrate comprised of thermoplastic material and a porous fibrous reinforcing element contained within the substrate and an abrasive layer disposed on a surface of the substrate. The opposite surface of the substrate may include the engaging elements. The article is made by deploying the fabric on a surface, depositing molten thermoplastic polymer over the fabric, removing the substrate from the surface and applying the abrasive layer to one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A filter screen assembly for mounting over an air intake opening of a structure. The structure has a height, a width and a depth and defines a selected face within which the air intake opening is formed. The selected face further includes a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side surrounding the intake opening. A planar and flexible filtration screen defines a substantially rectangular shape with by a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. Fasteners are provided for securing at least first and second sides of the screen to corresponding sides of the intake structure and include eyelets formed within the screen which are supported upon tubular portions extending from the structure and fasteners which secure within the tubular portions to affix the screen in place.

Abstract: A filter element adapted for use in reciprocating drilling shafts. The element includes a flexible filter material wrapped about a biasing member and opposed rigid ends. The biasing member returns the filter to an elongate form after compression and spaces the filter material from the shaft. The result is substantially less debris contacting the shaft to thus prevent damage thereto and operational impedance.

Abstract: An air filter suitably usable in an air cleaner, room air-conditioner or especially in car air-conditioners in which air is driven at a high speed. The air filter is made of a pleated polyurethane foam having on one or both sides thereof a three-dimensional network skeletal structure of micro cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating fiber tufts from a fiber tuft-laden conveying air stream includes a generally vertically oriented feed chute having an upper portion and a lower portion; an air-pervious screen disposed in the upper chute portion; an inlet channel having an outlet opening in the upper portion for introducing the fiber tuft-laden conveying air stream into the upper portion and for directing the fiber tuft-laden conveying air stream toward the inner face of the screen for effecting an impingement of the fiber tufts on the screen and a passage of the air stream, stripped of the fiber tufts, through the screen; and a mechanism disposed in the upper chute portion adjacent the inner screen face for effecting a sweeping motion of the fiber tuft-laden conveying air stream back and forth over the inner screen face for removing a pressing force of the air stream on the fiber tufts against the inner face of the screen, whereby the fiber tufts fall off the inner screen face by gravity toward the lower chute po

Abstract: A method for treating infectious organic waste material such as dewatered sewage sludge, mixed organic wastes and animal waste. The method includes mixing the infectious organic waste material with a comminuted organic fibrous material to provide a reaction mixture. An oxidizing agent is an optional additive. The reaction mixture is heated in a hyperbaric reactor vessel at an elevated pressure and temperature for a time sufficient to create saturated steam and to produce a substantially denatured product containing inactivated pathogenic agents. The denatured product is dehydrated to produce a free-flowing solid product that may be used in various agricultural, industrial or commercial applications. Odor is controlled so that malodorous compounds are not released to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Tantalum scrap of high oxygen content is recovered and processed to metallurgical grade tantalum by fine participation. Blending with carbon or other appropriate solid reducing agent, melting in a plasma furnace (20) at about tantalum melt temperature while suppressing partial pressure of tantalum oxide gas to minimize tantalum loss of the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a sintered body of carbonitride alloy with titanium as main component which does not have a binder phase layer on the surface after sintering. This is obtained by performing the liquid phase sintering step of the process at 1-80 mbar of CO gas in the sintering atmosphere.

Abstract: Thermal fatigue and shock resistant materials have been disclosed. Such materials have a thermal conductivity exceeding a minimal value as determined by Kmim=0.00102X2−0.03076X+0.5464, where Kmin is minimal thermal conductivity in the units of cal/cm·s·°K, and X is cobalt weight percentage. Cemented tungsten carbide with coarse tungsten carbide grains and a low cobalt content meet this criterion. The thermal conductivity of this type of cemented tungsten carbide may be further enhanced by using tungsten carbide of coarser grains and higher purity. By adjusting the tungsten carbide grain size and the cobalt content, a desired toughness and hardness may be achieved while still maintaining a relatively high thermal conductivity. Such materials have applications in forming inserts and other cutting elements.

Abstract: A method for forming dendritic metal powders, comprising the steps of: (1) heating a powder comprising non-dendritic particles, under conditions suitable for initial stage sintering, to form a lightly sintered material; and (2) breaking the lightly sintered material to form a powder comprising dendritic particles. In one embodiment, the lightly sintered material is broken by brushing the material through a screen. Another aspect of the present invention comprises the dendritic particles that are produced by the method described above. These particles can comprise any suitable metal, such as transition metals, rare earth metals, main group metals or metalloids or an alloy of two or more such metals. The particles can also comprise a ceramic material, such as a metal oxide. These particles are characterized by a dendritic, highly anisotropic, morphology arising from the fusion of substantially non-dendritic particles, and by a low apparent density relative to the substantially non-dendritic starting material.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting molten slag in a tap stream between a steel making vessel such as a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and corresponding ladle. An infrared (IR) imaging or detecting device(s) is used to image/view the BOF-to-ladle tap stream, the stream transmitting energy indicative of whether molten steel and/or slag is in the stream at a given time. Gray scale analysis is performed on pixels viewed from the tap stream to determine the number of steel pixels and the number of slag pixels in the stream at a given time. When the ratio or percentage of slag pixels exceeds a predetermined value or amount, an alarm may be actuated to cause an operator to tilt the converter upward to stop tapping, or the converter may be automatically tilted upward to stop tapping.

Abstract: Disposal of halogenated organic hazardous wastes by introducing them as feedstocks in the direct reduction of iron oxide (DRI). (DRI is described in Pat. RE.32247.) The novel hydrocarbons used as reducing feedstocks would normally be destined to become hazardous wastes or else their products of decomposition would be hazardous wastes. Such hydrocarbons are inclusive of but not limited to halogenated hydrocarbons such as PVC, PCBs, various insecticides, dioxin and others. This category of hydrocarbon wastes is otherwise difficult to utilize, incinerate, or otherwise dispose of safely. Polluting byproducts such as dioxin are almost always released. However within a DRI reactor they can be disposed of safely. There is no stack or vent to atmosphere. These hydrocarbons would be used as an alternative to or admixture with the usual hydrocarbon feedstocks of choice, methane or related short chain hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of liquid iron production using high sulfur fuels is provided in which the level of sulfur in the iron is maintained below 0.1%. The low sulfur content is achieved even in the presence of high sulfur concentrations in the reducing gases and without the introduction of lime or limestone. According to one aspect, liquid iron in the fusion zone of a smelting system is saturated with carbon, thereby desulfurizing the liquid iron. The carbon saturation level is at least 4.5% carbon by weight and preferably, at least 5.0% carbon by weight. According to another aspect, the desulfurization of the liquid iron is enhanced by elevating the tapping temperatures to temperatures in excess of 1465° C., and preferably of about 1490° C. According to another aspect, the desulfurization process is supplemented by the presence of significant levels of silicon and/or manganese, both of which are highly soluble in the liquid iron.

Abstract: The invention relates to activated magnesium metal, to a method of activating magnesium metal and to its use for the preparation of organomagnesium compounds. The activated magnesium metal is obtainable by reacting molten magnesium metal with magnesium hydride; or by heating a mixture of magnesium metal and magnesium hydride until molten.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for recovering a gas using a semipermeable membrane in an apparatus having a simple structure. The method is capable of maintaining a purity of a product gas at a constant value even if a feed amount of a feed stream is fluctuated. A feed stream G1 is a gas mixture of a fast gas having a relatively high permeability to a membrane 1 and a slow gas having a relatively low permeability to the membrane 1. The feed stream G1 is pressurized by a compressor 3 and fed to a membrane 1 separation unit 2 having the membrane 1. Part G7 of the permeate stream on the permeate side of the membrane 1 is recirculated to the upstream side of the compressor 3 through the first recirculation line 17 and merged into a stream of the feed stream G1. Simultaneously, another part of the permeate stream G2 on the permeate side of the membrane 1 is recovered through a product gas recovering line 5.

Abstract: An ozone-oxygen gas stream produced by passing oxygen into an ozone generator is introduced into a membrane separation unit containing an ozone-permeable membrane. Ozone-enriched gas passes through the membrane and is recovered or it contacts a liquid or gas stream which contains ozone-reactive substances, thereby oxidizing the substances. The oxygen-enriched gas stream produced on the feed side of the membrane by permeation of ozone through the membrane is recycled to the ozone generator. Prior to being recycled, the oxygen-enriched stream may be purified to remove gaseous impurities which permeate through the membrane from the liquid or gas stream being treated.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of hydrogen from a mixture of the same with methane, utilizing two separate PSA stages, one containing a nitrogen selective crystalline zeolite, and the second containing a methane selective adsorbent.

Abstract: The exhaust gas enters via an exhaust gas line into a washing apparatus. In the washing apparatus solid matter particles are predominantly separated. The pre-washed exhaust gas flows from the washing apparatus through a droplet removing conduit to a trickling filter device in order to be subjected to an activated sludge treatment for the separating of gaseous contaminants. In order to reduce the point of condensation and accordingly the absolute humidity of the exhaust gas for the activated sludge treatment either fresh air is added through a feed line to the pre-washed exhaust gas or the washing water which is led in a closed circuit through the washing water line of the washing apparatus is cooled in a heat exchanger in a cooling tower. A portion of the washing water of the washing apparatus is led through a first solid matter removing apparatus of which a portion of the filtrate is led to an activated sludge basin located under the trickling filter device.

Abstract: A device for improving the quality of indoor air comprising a casing (2) with an air inlet (3) and an air outlet (5), a member (7) arranged to cause air in a room, in which the casing is placed, to flow in through the inlet and inside the casing to the outlet and therefrom out into the room again, and leaf surfaces and water nozzles (9, 11) adapted to influence the quality of the air passing through the casing. The casing also contains leaf plants (9) and the member (7) is provided in order to cause the air to flow past the leaf surfaces of the plants in order to remove contaminations and particles from the air by absorption thereof by the leaves of the plants.

Abstract: A subsea multiphase fluid separation system and method are disclosed which provide for efficient and reliable remote separation operation at deep and ultra deep water depths including depths of ten thousand feet or more. The system is preferably of modular construction wherein the modules are secured in a single frame to be lowered as a unit to the seabed. The system utilizes reliable cyclonic operation. The sequence of process steps is designed to make the system more efficient as compared to surface separating systems and thereby permit a more compact size as is desirable for subsea operation. The method of operation includes up to five basic process steps with the initial step in one embodiment including cyclonically separating solids. In a presently preferred embodiment, the cyclonic solids separator is sized to eliminate solids greater than fifty microns. A second stage is directed to cyclonically removing bulk gas from the liquid in either a cyclone or auger separator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a reduced velocity chamber with a high velocity air inlet, an electric motor, a rotary mechanism driven by the motor for creating a vacuum in the chamber, an outlet for exhausting air from the chamber, which air flows in a selected path from the air inlet, through the chamber and out the air exhaust outlet and a disposable porous sheet filter layer in the chamber for removing large solid particles from the air. The vacuum cleaner also has an improved filter, wherein the improved filter includes a layer of material to remove very fine air particles and a layer of material to remove odors from the air.

Abstract: A filter for cleaning air by removing noxious and/or odorous matter from the air flow by desorption is constructed so that filter sections (12) can be sequentially heated for a desorption of the noxious and odorous matter. An air discharge (13) for desorption air is provided on the air exit side (11) of the filter (2) for the discharge of the desorbed noxious and odorous matter, preferably into the combustion air of an engine. The air discharge (13, 22) for the desorption air covers at least one filter section 12 at a time when that section is being heated. A relative motion between the filter sections (12) and the air discharge (13) assures that other filter sections keep filtering while at least one filter section at a time is regenerated.