Abstract: A method for skin treatment comprises the steps of delivering at least one pulse of radio frequency power to at least one electrode in order to create an electric field; passing gas through the electric field in order to form plasma from the gas; and applying the plasma to the surface of skin. The amount of radio frequency power may be relatively low such that the application of plasma causes denaturation of collagen within the collagen-containing tissue beneath the skin surface, which may promote the generation of new collagen within the collagen-containing tissue.

Abstract: The electrode of a manipulator cuts tissue. The scalpel has rectifying circuit for supplying a rectified voltage to a radio frequency circuit which produces an output current signal at a substantially constant frequency to the electrode. The radio frequency circuit has an electronic switch controlled by an oscillator and pilot circuit. According to the method a wave form is applied to the electrode having such a power that the energy transferred to the manipulator is substantially equal to the sum of the energies required to break the bonds of the molecules of the tissue to be cut. The invention relates also to the electronic scalpel carrying out said method.

Abstract: Catheters for mapping and/or ablation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a handle, a flexible shaft, a tip assembly, and a cable. The handle includes an actuator and is attached, at its distal end, to the proximal end of the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft has a longitudinal axis that extends along a length of the shaft. The proximal end of the tip assembly is attached to the distal end of the shaft and includes a fixed bend of approximatley ninety degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal end of the tip assembly includes an arcuate curve having a diameter. The arcuate curve is oriented in a plane that is approximatley perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The cable is attached to the actuator and the distal end of the tip assembly, and extends through the shaft. The cable is adapted to change the diameter of the arcuate curve in response to movement of the actuator.

Abstract: A bioimplantable tissue fixation device is provided for use in repairing and replacing torn or damaged connective tissue such as ligaments and tendons. The device includes an elongate body formed of a bioresorbable material including an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The body includes an internal cavity open at the proximal end which terminates proximal to the distal end. The internal cavity is in fluid communication with at least one opening formed in the outer surface of the body. The internal cavity is able to accept a treatment material for delivery external to the outer surface of the body through the at least one opening at the proximal end.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope includes a laparoscopic port at its opposite end through which instruments and implants are inserted. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. The laparoscope is alternately engaged within bilateral locations in the disc space for insertion of a pair of fusion implants. A switching sleeve extends through the laparoscope to protect the tissue at the surgical site as the laparoscope is moved between the bilateral fusion locations.

Abstract: Instrumentation and techniques for preparing vertebral members for insertion of an implant. Foundation instruments provide a reference relative to the vertebral members. The foundation devices guide the placement of one or more instruments that prepare the vertebral members. The instruments operatively align with the foundation instruments in a specific orientation to ensure proper placement relative to the vertebral members. Preparatory instruments may be used to further remove bone from the vertebral members. The preparatory instruments may be used prior to or after the other instruments. An insert is inserted and mounted to the vertebral members after the bone has been removed. A holder may be used for holding and placing the implant relative to the vertebral members.

Abstract: A method of destroying formation in a body includes introducing a tubular member into a body to an area of a formation with a gripping unit movable between an open position and a closed position in which the gripping unit encloses a closed space to confine the formation inside the closed space, destroying the formation by a formation destroying element and withdrawing a device from a body with the formation and its fragments confined inside the closed space formed by the gripping unit in its closed position.

Abstract: A cylindrical rotor for an epilating device of a kind which includes a support body containing an electrical motor which in use provides a rotational drive to the cylindrical rotor. The cylindrical rotor includes a rotor body, a shaft extending through the rotor body about which the rotor body can rotate. At least one array of radially extending blade pairs is positioned to present mutually interacting pinching edges of each the blade pair at the circumference of the cylindrical rotor. Each blade pair includes a rotor body stationary blade and a movable blade. Each of the movable blades of the array is mounted on a shuttle carried by the rotor body which is in a cammed disposition with the shaft. The cammed disposition is of a kind with cooperative surfaces of the shaft and the shuttle which upon the relative rotation of the shaft with the rotor body and the shuttle carried with the rotor body, moves the shuttle in an oscillating manner.

Abstract: A system for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel includes a tissue effector that may be configured to deploy a user-selectable number of connectors. The system includes an anvil that enters the wall of the target vessel through an entry hole that is spaced apart from the anastomosis site, and at least one anvil entry hole sealer may be utilized to substantially seal the anvil entry hole upon withdrawal of the anvil. The system may include a shield and a cutter, both of which are movable relative to the anvil, where the shield is configured to protect the graft vessel from the cutter. The cutter may include an incising element movable from a stowed position to an active position.

Abstract: An operating head for a full thickness resection system includes a first optical device disposed on a distal portion thereof and having a viewing area extending distally of the distal portion and a working chamber extending within an exterior wall of the operating head, a first portion of the exterior wall being moveable with respect to a second portion thereof to selectively open the working chamber to an exterior of the operating head. Furthermore, the operating head includes a second optical device mounted within the working chamber with a viewing area of the second optical device extending distally therefrom.

Abstract: A curved ultrasonic blade including a concave top surface, a convex bottom surface and a central ridge running along the concave top surface is described. In a curved blade according to the present invention the blade has a cross section which is substantially trapezoidal. The blade edges may be sharp or blunt and the convex bottom surface has a width of at least two times the width of the central ridge and, preferably, three times the width of the central ridge. A balanced ultrasonic instrument including a curved blade having a trapezoidal cross section is also described. A balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transmission rod which is connected to the curved blade by a balance portion which includes first and second balance asymmetries designed to compensate for the imbalances induced by asymmetry of the curved blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel and most useful working tool for a resectoscope, adapted to side-to-side resection of biological tissue using predetermined lateral movement. Said resectoscope is adapted to either cold or hot resection and is either flexible or rigid. The present invention also provides for a suitable cutting member assembly and to a method useful for lateral resection.

Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of a balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly which are provided to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body, such as, for example, an anatomical space in the abdominal cavity or extraperitoneal space for facilitating hernia repair surgeries. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly generally includes a balloon tip cannula assembly for anchoring the device to the abdominal wall and a balloon dissector assembly having a dissection balloon at a distal end for separating apart tissue layers and forming an anatomical space. Various structures are provided to connect the balloon dissector assembly to the balloon tip cannula assembly. Obturators associated with the balloon dissector assembly and the balloon tip cannula assembly may also be provided.

Abstract: Novel devices and methods that affect the neurologic and biological electrical conduction systems for the treatment various neurological and physiological disorders. Localized mechanical forces imparted by the inventive devices and methods modify or alter the mechanoelectric and or electrochemical properties of the affected tissues and biologic systems. Combinations of various technologies can be incorporated into the devices and methodologies for specific treatments. The devices and methods can be used to treat a number of neurologic and physiologic disorders such as Parkinson's, epilepsy, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrhythmia, obesity, and others.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for surgery, in particular minimally invasive surgery. The instrument includes means for feeding back a force which is exerted on the working element of the instrument to the operating element. These means include at least a first force sensor for measuring the force which is exerted on the working element, a control unit and a first actuator. On the basis of a signal which originates from the first force sensor, the control unit controls at least the first actuator in order to control the operating element. Furthermore, the means preferably include a first position sensor for measuring a position of the working element with respect to the frame. The control unit advantageously determines an impedance which the working element is subject to as a result of the presence of a tissue or the like, on the basis of which impedance the control unit controls at least the first actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a suture locking device including a longitudinal retaining member having first and second ends; a support member having first and second recesses that are diametrically opposite to each other and have center points that are coaxial, where the first and second ends of the retaining member are releasably positioned within the first and second recesses of the support member. Alternatively, the suture locking device comprises a longitudinal retaining member having first and second ends; a support member having first and second recesses are diametrically opposite to each other and have center points that are coaxial, where the support member is releasably secured to hold the first and second ends of the retaining member within its first and second recesses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method as well as to a system for the local heating of a target region of an object by varying the magnetization of magnetic or magnetizable substances. A magnetic field is then generated whose magnetic field strength varies in space in such a manner that a first sub-region (301) of low magnetic field strength and a second sub-region (302) which encloses the first sub-region and has a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the target region. Subsequently, the position in space of the two sub-regions in the target region is varied with a given frequency for so long that the particles are heated to a desired temperature due to frequent variation of the magnetization.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for temperature control of the human body. The system includes an indwelling catheter with a tip-mounted heat transfer element. The catheter is fluidically coupled to a console that provides a heated or cooled heat transfer working fluid to exchange heat with the heat transfer element, thereby heating or cooling blood. The heated or cooled blood then heats or cools the patient's body or a selected portion thereof. In particular, methods and devices are provided for control and determination of the pressure within the heat transfer element.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capable of accurately positioning the balloon and stent in a desired position includes an introducer set fixed to an opening of the human artery, a guiding catheter secured to the introducer set and introduced into the artery, a Y-connector coupled with the guiding catheter, a guidewire introduced into the guiding catheter, a balloon catheter introduced into the guiding catheter and having a balloon at the distal end thereof, a minute adjustment portion having a nut and a bolt for minutely adjusting the insertion portion of the balloon catheter in the artery, a combining frame having two legs eachcoupled with the main tube and the nut, respectively, and a clamping portion for holding the balloon catheter firmly in position.

Abstract: Intravascular devices are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. These devices advantageously can be implanted via a catheter, thereby eliminating the need for a more invasive implantation procedure when the stretching is to be done in vivo. The implantable medical device for distending a blood vessel to induce axial growth of the blood vessel includes an intravascular stretching mechanism securable to an interior luminal surface of a blood vessel in vivo, and a means for operating the intravascular stretching mechanism in vivo to cause the vessel to stretch and grow axially. The stretching mechanism can include a pair of wires or stents that engage the blood vessel wall, and components of the stretching mechanism may include a shape memory material.

Abstract: Custom-length self-expanding stent delivery systems and methods enable precise control of prosthesis position during deployment. The stent delivery systems carry multiple stent segments and include a stent bumper for helping control the axial position of the stent segments during deployment. This enables the deployment of multiple prostheses at a target site with precision and predictability, preventing stent segment recoil and ejection from the delivery device and thus eliminating excessive spacing or overlap between prostheses. In particular embodiments, the prostheses of the invention are deployed in stenotic lesions in coronary or peripheral arteries or in other vascular locations.

Abstract: Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments.

Abstract: A medical implant, having a proximal and a distal end, that is preformed to assume a superimposed structure at an implantation site but can be made to take on a volume-reduced form making it possible to introduce it with a micro-catheter and a guide wire arranged at the proximal end, with the implant in its superimposed structure assuming the form of a longitudinally open tube and having a mesh structure of interconnected strings or filaments. The implant has a tapering structure at its proximal end where the strings or filaments converge at a connection point.

Abstract: A stent is provided with a multi-layer structure, combining one or more mesh layers with one or more film layers. The film layer(s) are configured to substantially prevent growth of an inner lining of a blood vessel, where the stent is placed, through the mesh layer(s). The end-to-end length of the film layer(s) may be greater than the lengths of the mesh layer(s) by at least about 0.5 mm. The mesh and film layers include a radiopaque portion adjacent their ends to provide an X-ray indication of whether the mesh layer(s) have expanded beyond the ends of the film layer(s). If the stent includes inner and outer film layers and a middle mesh layer, the film layers may be sealed together adjacent the ends, encasing and fixing in place the middle layer. The mesh layer may be constructed to be more compliant adjacent its distal end and to expand more rapidly in response to expansion of a balloon catheter as compared to a middle portion of the mesh layer.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices that may be useful, for instance, in thrombectomy and embolectomy procedures, stent delivery procedures, and procedures for bridging the neck of an aneurysm. The bifurcated guidewire device described herein comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a length therebetween, and at least one bifurcation branching the guidewire into at least two arms. The arms are controllable, which may be accomplished, e.g., by providing arms constructed of a shape memory material, or by providing mechanical methods to control the arms. The guidewire may have any number of bifurcations branching the guidewire into any number of arms as practicable. The arms may or may not have radio-opaque markers thereon or be constructed of a radio-opaque material. The arms may have webbing or a semi-permeable sac disposed between them to help capture natural or foreign matter therein. The guidewire may be used with or without a catheter.

Abstract: An intravascular stent (26) has a surface coated with a biocompatible layer. The layer contains a diamond like nanocomposite material. This nanocomposite material comprises carbon, hydrogen, silicon and oxygen as constituent elements. The layer has a stress which is less than 150 MPa in order to ensure a high degree of flexibility and a complete expandability. This lower stress is obtained by the inclusion of relatively large amounts of Si:O bonds. In a preferable embodiment the layer with diamond like nanocomposite material covers the stent (26) for 100%. This is obtained by allowing the stent to move freely along a wire during CAVD deposition.

Abstract: A device for modifying the shape of a mitral valve annulus. In one embodiment, the device includes a connector disposed between first and second anchors, the first and second anchors each adapted to be deployed in a coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus to anchor the device in the coronary sinus; and an actuation element adapted to receive a proximally or distally directed actuation force from an actuator and to transmit the actuation force to the first and second anchors simultaneously.

Abstract: A fixation band has a tubular frame and a tube, wherein the tubular frame comprises longitudinally-extending members having a hook on its distal end and fixation means on its proximal end. The tubular frame preferably comprises a laterally-extending member for stabilization. The tube is positioned inside longitudinally-extending members and a sewing cuff is formed in the tube distal to the distalmost end of the longitudinally-extending members. A standard prosthetic valve can be secured to the fixation band by suturing the prosthetic valve's sewing cuff to the fixation band's sewing cuff and the prosthetic valve can be advanced to a valve seat. By pulling the tubular frame proximally, the hooks pass into surrounding tissue so that the fixation band and prosthetic valve are fixed against proximal movement. The fixation means then secure the fixation band to the surrounding tissue so that the prosthetic valve is fixed against distal movement.

Abstract: A two or three component lens system. The first component is a ring-like supporting component that is implanted in the capsular bag following cataract surgery. The first component is a non-optical component and does not correct for any refractive errors. The first component may contains features to help reduce or eliminate PCO. The second component is an optical component that may contain all of the corrective optical power of the lens system. The second component has a pair of tabs for locking the second component within the first component. The third component is optional and is similar to second component and contains some optical power to correct for any residual optical error not corrected by the second component. The second and third components may also be implanted so as to move relative to one another, thereby providing some accommodation.

Abstract: An allogenic intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant is a piece of allogenic bone conforming in size and shape with a portion of an end plate of a vertebra. The implant has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability. The implant according to the present invention provides initial stability need for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip level socket system for a user's lower torso comprising a socket fitted to the individual user's lower torso having a mounting point for an attachment, a first strap attached to the socket and a second strap attached to the socket wherein the first strap and the second strap work in cooperation to support the socket on the iliac crests of the user's lower torso.

Abstract: Dry cleaning and fabric-treatment compositions, methods and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in drying machines, such as hot air drying machines found in households, apartments, and laundromats, which are normally adapted to dry wet garments and the like from a washing machine. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one organic solvent, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition may also include water and/or at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific composition. In some embodiments, the article includes a sheet onto which the composition is permeated. In some embodiments, the article includes the composition and a carrier.

Abstract: A method of laundering a fabric load is disclosed including the steps of processing a fabric load in an aqueous-based working fluid, substantially replacing the aqueous-based working fluid with a non-aqueous working fluid of the type which extracts some of the aqueous-based working fluid from the fabric load.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel diaminopyrazole having formula (I), wherein: R1, R2, identical or different, represent a C3 C5 mono- or polyhydroxyalkyl, isopropyl, n-propyl or ethyl group, said groups being linear or branched, and their physiologically acceptable salts. The invention also relates to a composition for dyeing keratinous fibres containing a compound having formula (I) and the method for using same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for oxidation dyeing keratin fibers, for instance, human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising 2-chloro-6-methyl-3-aminophenol as a coupler, para-phenylenediamine or para-tolylenediamine as at least one first oxidation base, N,N-bis(?-hydroxyethyl)-para-phenylenediamine or 2-(?-hydroxyethyl)-para-phenylenediamine as at least one second oxidation base, and at least one associative thickening polymer. The present disclosure also relates to a multi-compartment device or kit for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers comprising the compositions disclosed herein, and to the dyeing process using these compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dye composition comprising at least one mixed dye comprising at least one chromophore chosen from chromophores of the azo family and the tri(hetero)arylmethane family; and the mixed dyes. Further disclosed herein are a process for dyeing keratin fibers, such as human keratin fibers, using the composition, and a device comprising the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to agents for coloring fibers containing keratin, in particular, human hair, which comprise selected cationic, CH-acidic heterocycles according to formula I in which A, R1, R2 and X? are as defined in the application, in combination with reactive carbonyl compounds, to the use of this combination in agents for coloring fibers containing keratin, for freshening up the color or nuancing fibers containing keratin which have already been colored, and to a method of coloring fibers containing keratin, in particular, human hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for dyeing fibers such as the hair, comprising at least one cationic direct dye of given formula, and which also contains at least one thickening polymer chosen from the group comprising: —nonionic amphiphilic polymers comprising at least one hydrophilic unit and at least one unit containing a fatty chain, —anionic amphiphilic polymers comprising at least one hydrophilic unit and at least one unit containing a fatty chain, —cationic amphiphilic polymers comprising at least one hydrophilic unit and at least one unit containing a fatty chain. The invention also relates to the dyeing processes and dyeing kits therefor.

Abstract: The claimed liquid formulations contain an organic acid and a branched mono- or di-alcohol. The addition of the alcohol improves the storage stability of the liquid formulations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a circular electrode apparatus of a battery for resistance stability improvement comprises the following procedures. First, an electrode structure of a battery including an upper electrode plate, an over-current protection device and lower electrode plate is provided, wherein the over-current protection device is a lamination constituted of an upper metal foil, a current-sensitive layer and a lower metal foil. Secondly, the electrode structure is treated by high-speed impact, vibration, hot-cold impact, acid pickling, water pickling or sand blasting to become the electrode apparatus of the present invention whereby the mean value of the resistance of the electrode apparatuses is below 0.05 ohm, and the deviation of the resistances of the electrode apparatuses is below 0.005 ohm at 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Compositions of fuels for transportation are disclosed, particularly organic compositions which are liquid at ambient conditions. More specifically, it relates to transportation fuels comprising suitable organic distillates, as a predominant component, and limited, but essential, amounts of a component comprising oxygen-containing organic materials, which materials are typically derived from natural petroleum. Beneficially, the oxygen content of these transportation fuels is at least 0.02 percent by weight. Preferably the oxygen content these transportation fuels is in a range from about 0.2 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

Abstract: A combustion additive is used for protecting and improving the operation of diesel fuel combustion systems. The additive contains one or more iron-containing compounds. The additive can be added to the fuel prior to introduction into a combustion chamber or to the exhaust after the combustion chamber. The additive will then enhance the operation of diesel fuel combustions systems by improving, for example, exhaust aftertreatment performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous slurry composition that comprises cerium oxide and/or cerium oxide-containing mixed rare earth oxide abrasive particles, a polyacrylate, and an agent that retards hard settling. The agent that retards hard settling is preferably a polysaccharide such as xanthan gum, microcrystalline cellulose and/or sodium alginate, the latter of which may be treated with a divalent metal salt such as calcium carbonate. The slurry composition according to the invention can be used to polish glass and glass ceramics at a high removal rate, but does not hard settle upon extended static conditions and can be easily resuspended. The present invention also provides a method of polishing a glass or glass ceramic substrate using the slurry composition.

Abstract: A structured abrasive article, methods of making an abrasive article, and methods of using an abrasive article. The abrasive composites forming the abrasive article have a height of at least 500 micrometers, and the abrasive particles in the composites have an average particle size of at least 40 micrometers, in some embodiments, at least about 85 micrometers. The large topography composites, together with the large ceramic abrasive particles, provides an abrasive article that has a more consistent cut, a longer cutting life, and a more consistent surface finish than conventional make/coat abrasive articles with the same size and type of abrasive particles. Additionally, the large topography composites, together with the large ceramic abrasive particles, provide an abrasive article that has a more consistent cut, a longer cutting life, and a more consistent surface finish than structured abrasive articles having a smaller topography, even with the same abrasive particles.

Abstract: The solution is useful for removing a barrier material from a semiconductor substrate. The solution comprises, by weight percent, 0.01 to 25 oxidizer, 0 to 15 inhibitor for a nonferrous metal, 0 to 15 abrasive, 0 to 20 complexing agent for the nonferrous metal, 0.01 to 12 barrier removal agent and balance water. The barrier removal agent is selected from the group comprising imine derivative compounds, hydrazine derivative compounds and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning filters for dust-laden waste gases, including several filter elements (2) which are arranged vertically in a filter housing (1) and which have an upper open end (16) and a lower closed end (15) with at least one feed line (9) for the dust-laden waste gases and at least one discharge line (11) for the cleaned waste gases, in addition to a device for injecting surges of compressed air into the open end (16) of the filter elements (2). In order to reduce pressure fluctuations in the filter and to provide efficient cleaning with pulsations of compressed air in the low pressure range i.e. from approximately 0.8 to 3 bars, the filter is divided into several filter modules (1) respectively including at least one filter element (2). At least two filter modules (1) are arranged in a filter housing (10) or a filter chamber.

Abstract: Particle separation apparatus comprises a cyclone particle separating means, a particle collecting chamber and a fan driven by an electric motor for drawing particle laden air into and through the apparatus. A valve is provided, upstream of the suction fan driving motor and downstream of the cyclone particle separating means, which includes a valve closure and a valve seat against which the closure is normally resiliently urged to prevent air flowing through the valve. The valve seat is a circular opening and the closure is at least hemispherical with its convex curved surface towards the seating.

Abstract: A modular filtration assembly for filtration of fluids, the capacity of the assembly depending upon the selected number of filtration modules included in the assembly. Each of the modules is made up of two identical housing members connected together in inverse, head-to-tail configuration and providing for inflow and outflow of fluid to and from a filter unit disposed in a recess formed by the two housing members. A housing inlet and housing outlet serve the function of assembly inlet and assembly outlet when the modules are assembled to one another to form the filtration assembly, providing for modularity and affording flexibility of capacity of the assembly.

Abstract: A blower has a carrying frame provided with a base plate. A fan with a fan housing is mounted on the carrying frame. The fan housing has an intake opening that faces the base plate and is spaced from the base plate. An intake gap is formed between the base plate and the fan housing. An internal combustion engine drives the fan in order to take in working air through the intake opening and to blow out the working air through a blower tube. A leaf shield for preventing leaves and debris from entering the fan housing is provided and covers the intake gap. The leaf shield is made of a foam material having coarse pores to allow unimpaired intake of the working air and to prevent leaves or other debris from adhering to the leaf shield.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rigid housing having a plurality of sides removably engaged with the electronic device and a plurality of passageways for effectively channeling air through first and second directions. The apparatus further includes at least one rotary fan moving in a selected radial path situated along one of the sides, a disposable electrostatic filter bifurcating the passageways wherein the contaminants are trapped and a power supply source electrically coupled to the fans.