Abstract: The technical field of the invention is the manufacture of surgical equipment implantable in the human body. The invention concerns a device for protecting nerves (2) and/or tendons (3) located in a canal zone (13) of the human body, normally closed by a ligament (1) and which is opened during a surgical procedure. The invention is characterized in that the device includes at least a plate (10) whereof the dimensions enable its insertion between the edges of the ligament, and in particular whereof the length is compatible with the distance separating the edges (11) of the ligament (1) after the cut performed during the surgical procedure, and whereof one face (102) includes a sliding surface and the other face (101) a adhering surface, the plate (10) is preferably convex with two curvilinear sides parallel in the direction transverse to the sides corresponding to the cut edges (11) of the ligament (1).

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a fabric connector. The flexible fabric connector gives the center assembly improved flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: An athertome assembly comprises a series of spanning and descending members extended between a segmented base and a cutting surface. This athertome assembly configuration provides both flexibility and structural strength which facilitates the implantation of medical devices.

Abstract: A lancing device comprising a movable parallelogram-shaped rack. The rack rotates a linearly fixed pinion which drives a slider-crank system. The slider-crank system in turn drives a lance holder. The parallelogram-shaped rack defines one or more predetermined paths along which the pinion moves. The lance holder is prevented from being extended beyond a predetermined depth when the pinion reaches a predetermined position along the one or more predetermined paths. The pinion is mechanically stopped from further progress by intersecting two legs of the parallelogram-shaped rack. Teeth of the rack may be modified to reduce the change the pinion may jam in the rack.

Abstract: The resheathing tool includes a flexible tubular body with a wall, an inner bore, and an aperture formed in the wall. The tool can be used to facilitate the unsheathing of the vasoocclusive device from the reloadable slotted introducer sheath by threading a proximal portion of the sheath out the aperture of the tool while sliding the vasoocclusive device distally through the sheath. The tool facilitates resheathing of the vasoocclusive device by introducing the vasoocclusive device through the slot of a reloadable slotted introducer sheath into the sheath by threading the reloadable slotted introducer sheath through the aperture and into the inner bore of the tool while threading the vasoocclusive device through the inner bore of the tool. At the same time, the resheathing tool prevents the elongated vasoocclusive device from moving out of the reloadable slotted introducer sheath through the slot.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least three radially-spaced struts, each strut connecting the proximal end to the distal end and having one or more bends that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stent is made of a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation or the balloon.

Abstract: A device for provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The device has an elongate body that has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first slot segment, and a second slot segment that is angled relative to said first slot segment. The elongate body defines a passage for accessing the surgical location with surgical instruments. The elongate body has a contracted configuration for insertion into the patient and an expanded configuration for providing access to the surgical location. The cross-sectional area of the passage at a first location of the elongate body is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location of the elongate body. A movable tab is configured to extend into the second slot segment when the elongate body is in the expanded configuration to retain the elongate body in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Embolectomy catheters, rapid exchange microcatheters, systems and methods for removing clots or other obstructive matter (e.g., thrombus, thromboemboli, embolic fragments of atherosclerotic plaque, foreign objects, etc.) from blood vessels. This invention is particularly useable for percutaneous removal of thromboemboli or other obstructive matter from small blood vessels of the brain, during an evolving stroke or period of cerebral ischemia. In some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters of this invention are advanceable with or over a guidewire which has been pre-inserted through or around the clot. Also, in some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters include clot removal devices which are deployable from the catheter after the catheter has been advanced at least partially through the clot. The clot removal device may included a deployable wire nest that is designed to prevent a blood clot from passing therethrough.

Abstract: An intravascular filter having a filament which expands a filter element. The filament is a coil which is stretched to reduce the diameter of the coil for introduction. The filter element is preferably biased toward the closed position and is opened by the coil when tension is released on the coil. The filament slides along the internal surface of the filter element so that the filter element may assume intermediate positions.

Abstract: The invention provides a nested tubing cannula which comprises outer and inner elongate tubular members, both having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The inner tubular member is sealed at its distal end and is nested substantially coaxially within the lumen of the outer tubular member, so that the gap between the inner and the outer tubular member defines a second lumen whereas the first lumen is the lumen of the inner tubular member. A tubular sleeve is disposed coaxially between the inner and outer tubular members. A balloon is mounted on a distal region of the outer tubular member and is in communication with the first lumen. The cannula further comprises a port proximal or distal the balloon occluder and is in communication with the second lumen. Methods for making the devices herein are disclosed.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices, especially vaso-occlusive devices or embolic coils, are delivered by an apparatus that includes a pullwire having a tine or tines that have an offset orientation that engages a therapeutic device. The pullwire passes through an opening of a headpiece. When the pullwire moves in a relative proximal direction, the tine moves toward a straight-line orientation, and the therapeutic device is liberated from the tine and from the pullwire. At this state, the therapeutic device is ready for deployment at a desired intraluminal location.

Abstract: Described herein are a system and a method for forming a stent of a desired length endoluminally. The system includes an elongate stent body and an outer sheath overlying the stent body. An endoluminal cutting mechanism is operatively connected to a drive cable in communication with the outer sheath. The cutting mechanism is configured to cut the stent body in response to motion of the drive cable. The method of forming the stent of a desired length endoluminally includes directing a system including an elongate stent body and an outer sheath overlying the stent body into a body lumen, positioning the stent body at an endoluminal site, and severing the stent body to form a stent of a desired length at the endoluminal site. An undeployed portion of the stent body remains in the outer sheath for optional deployment in a subsequent severing operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument with a shaft, a handle mounted on the proximal end of the shaft, and a tool mounted on the distal end of the shaft and capable of being activated by means of the handle, where the handle and the tool are in active connection by means of at least one activation rod. To make it possible for the tool, in particular as a one-way tool, to be secured simply and rapidly on the activation rod, the invention proposes that the tool should have a tool shaft for securing it to the activation rod and that the tool shaft and the activation rod in order to be secured to one another should have protuberances and/or recesses, which can be engaged, at least partially as a form-locking connection, with corresponding recesses or protuberances of the other respective component.

Abstract: Drug eluting vascular closure devices and methods for closing a blood vessel puncture site disposed at a distal end of a tissue tract are described. The devices and methods rely on a combination of the body's own natural mechanism to achieve hemostasis with bio-chemical agents to accelerate the hemostatic process. One method includes the steps of introducing a closure device through the tissue tract and deploying an expansible member at a distal end of the device within the blood vessel to occlude the puncture site. A bio-chemical sealing member disposed proximal the expansible member is then displaced so as to expose a bio-chemical region or release region of the device. At least one bio-chemical agent is thereafter released from the device and into the tissue tract to accelerate the occlusion process in the tract.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sealing a passageway formed by a patent foramen ovale (PFO track) in the heart are provided. One method includes providing an abrading device to the PFO track and abrading the tissue within the PFO track. The abraded tissue forming the PFO track is then held together under pressure, either via lowering right atrial pressure or via applying suction to the septum primum to pull it into apposition against the septum secundum. After a sufficient period of time, the pressure is released and the abraded tissue heals to form a robust seal over the PFO track. Additionally, several devices are provided which can be placed into the PFO track to apply adhesive to the walls of the PFO track. The devices may or may not be left within the PFO track. If the devices are not left within the PFO track, the walls of the PFO track, covered with adhesive, are brought into apposition with one another and adhered together.

Abstract: A spinal stabilizing system includes a collar having a tubular sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface at least partially bounding a longitudinal passage extending therethrough. A shoulder radially inwardly projects from a second end of the sidewall so as to at last partially encircle the longitudinal passage. A pair of spaced apart channels transversely extend through the sidewall at the first end thereof. The system further includes a screw having a threaded portion and an enlarged head mounted on the end thereof, the head of the screw resting against the shoulder of the collar so that the head can pivot on the shoulder, a locking slot being formed on the head of the screw. A pin is secured to the collar and projects into the locking slot on the head of the screw such rotation of the collar facilitates rotation of the screw.

Abstract: A method of spacing spinal elements includes installing a first spinal implant having a sensor associated therewith; selecting a second spinal implant based on measurement data provided by the sensor; and replacing the first spinal implant with the second spinal implant. The first and second implants may be installed in separate surgical procedures, or during the same surgical procedure, and the implants may be positioned between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process and advantageously directly engage the same. The selection of the second implant may be based on the data provided by the sensor and a material property of the second spinal implant, such as its stiffness. The measurement data may correspond to strain or force data. The sensor may be, but is not required to be, embedded in the first spinal implant. A corresponding apparatus is described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising at least a fixed element (2), secured to a vertebra, at least a mobile element (10), capable of moving relative to the or each fixed element, and at least an intermediate element (22) for articulating the mobile element relative to the fixed element. The intermediate element (22) is received in an internal volume of the mobile element % (10), and the fixed element (2) is received at least partly in an internal volume (26) of the intermediate element (22). Means are provided for securing, at least in translation, said intermediate element (22) to the fixed element (2), comprising the periphery of the substantially rigid outlet of the internal volume of the intermediate element.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bone fixation are disclosed. A fixation system can have a planar fixation device and a laterally-fixed fixation apparatus. The planar fixation device can have a planar surface and at least one opening having side walls defining an at least generally cylindrical shape. The laterally-fixed fixation apparatus can have an at least generally cylindrical shaped head portion having outer wall sections at least partially surrounding a central hollow area. The head portion can have an inner bottom surface. An expander hub is provided in the fixation apparatus for positioning at least partially within the central hollow area of the head portion and can be seated at least partially on the inner bottom surface of the head portion. The expander hub is rotatable to force the outer wall sections of the head portion outwardly for engaging and locking the fixation apparatus in place in the opening.

Abstract: A system for producing preferential damage to hair exiting mammalian skin. A agent having an average diameter for enabling the agent to penetrate the hair duct is selected. The agent is designed to attach to, or become physically incorporated into, the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent has an electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristic which enables the agent to absorb a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation source, such as a laser. The agent is applied to the skin so that the agent penetrates the skin and attaches to or becomes physically incorporated into the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent is exposed to the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation and absorbs the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms at the aortic and iliac bifurcation. In particular, a deployment system and graft are disclosed for deploying the bifurcated graft within both iliac branches, as well as the aortic trunk, from a single vascular access.

Abstract: A system for protecting a coated reconfigurable medical implant is provided. This system may include a carrier device having a proximal end and a distal end and a reconfigurable deployable coated medical implant in physical communication with an implant carrying region of the carrier device. In this system the deployable medical implant may be coated with a coating positioned on an exposed surface of the deployable medical implant and the deployable medical implant may be reconfigurable from a first larger configuration to a second contracted configuration. For protecting the coating, the coated medical implant may be encased by a hollow deformable membrane when the deployable medical implant is in the first larger configuration and the membrane may define a cavity with a cross-section that is smaller than the external cross-section of the deployable medical implant. The medical implant may be crimped to its second contracted configuration while the hollow deformable membrane is in place.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a catheter having a catheter shaft and a medical balloon positioned thereon, as well as a rotatable assembly disposed about the balloon. The balloon has a pre-expansion state and an expanded state. The rotatable assembly comprises a sheath, wherein the sheath is disposed about the balloon in both the pre-expansion state and in the expanded state. The sheath is rotatable about the balloon in the pre-expansion state. The sheath comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer is in rotatable contact with the balloon and the outer layer is disposed about the inner layer. The inner layer is at least partially constructed of at least one material having a durometer value greater than that of the outer layer.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least a portion of which defines a medical device receiving region, and at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve comprises a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubular member has a first portion being engaged to a portion of the catheter shaft adjacent to the medical device receiving region. In the extended state a second portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay the medical device receiving region. In the retraced state the second portion is removed from about the medical device receiving region. At least one of the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member are at least partially constructed from a shape memory material.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis delivery system has an inner tubular member having a distal end including a prosthesis-carrying portion and a proximal end intended to remain outside the patient. An outer tubular member has a distal end spaced from the prosthesis-carrying portion of the inner member. A coupling member couples the inner and outer tubular members to each other in fixed relationship generally at a location intended to remain outside the patient. An intermediate tubular member located between the inner and outer tubular members has a distal end adapted to cover the tubular prosthesis and a proximal end that projects proximally beyond the proximal ends of both the inner and outer tubular members. The proximally projecting end of the intermediate tubular member is longitudinally movable with respect to the coupled inner and outer tubular members by a distance sufficient to retract the intermediate tubular member distal end from any position covering the prosthesis carried by the inner member.

Abstract: An anastomosis device (12) for advantageously bridging an artery and a vein. The anastomosis device includes a tubular graft (15) with first and second ends (47 and 48) and a longitudinal passageway extending longitudinally through the graft. The device further includes a first stent (10) disposed about the first end of the tubular graft and a second stent (10) disposed about the second end of the tubular graft. Each of the first and second stents has a plurality of hooks or barbs (11) pointed or releasable to the point toward the other end of the graft.

Abstract: A method of making an tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene.

Abstract: A stent (1) is a vascular prosthesis for a constricted body vessel. The stent (1) includes a tubular support frame (2) of ring segments (3) arranged in axial succession and formed by struts (5, 6) which in initial state are joined continuously in a wave-like manner. Adjacent ring segments (3) are linked by differently long connectors (9, 10) with U-shaped compensating sections (11, 12). All connectors (9, 10) point in the same circumferential direction (U). Moreover, differently long connectors (9, 10) alternate in circumferential direction (U) as well as in longitudinal stent axis (L).

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring holder including a head having an upper surface and an annuloplasty ring receiving surface facing opposite the upper surface. The annuloplasty ring holder also includes means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface may include one or more suture guides operatively associated with the head and configured to position one or more sutures to removably associate an annuloplasty ring with the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The head may include a central hub and more than one spoke radiating out from the central hub. If the head is thus configured, each spoke will include a portion of the annuloplasty ring receiving surface.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses.

Abstract: In various embodiment of the invention an implant can be placed between two adjacent vertebral bodies using a lateral insertion method. The implant is characterized as having a first end plate and a second end plate which a crossbar spacer there between. The crossbar spacer preferably fits within a channel on the inner surfaces of the first end plate and the second end plate, where the spacer allows the first end plate to pivot, twist and/or rotate relative to the second end plate. The first end plate and the second end plate include a keel extending therefrom, where the keel traverses longitudinally between a first lateral side and a second opposed lateral side and is substantially perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the patient's spine.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprising a lower implant part, having a central axis and an apposition section, designed to rest against the covering surface of the adjacent lower vertebra and an upper implant part comprising a bore with an internal thread, a central axis and an apposition section, designed to rest against the covering surface of the adjacent upper vertebra. Specifically, the lower and upper implant parts are secured in relation to each other against rotation about the central axis and a threaded screw with an external thread is guided in the upper implant part and connected to the lower implant part, the external thread cooperating with the internal thread. The lower and upper implant parts, and the threaded screw lie coaxially along their common central axis, the threaded screw being connected to the lower implant part so that it is axially fixed but able to rotate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a variety of interbody spinal fusion implants having at least a partially frusto-conical configuration. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may be relatively solid or hollow and may have surface roughenings to promote bone ingrowth and stability. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may have wells extending into the material of the implant from the surface for the purpose of holding fusion promoting materials and to provide for areas of bone ingrowth fixation. A variety of surface irregularities may be employed to increase implant stability and implant surface area, and/or for the purpose of advancing the spinal fusion implant into the fusion site.

Abstract: A patellar implant includes a posterior portion and an anterior portion. The posterior portion may define an articulating surface and a first retaining feature. The anterior portion may define a tissue engaging portion and a second retaining feature adapted to advance into a mechanical interlock with the first retaining feature in an assembled position. The mechanical interlock between the first and second retaining features may cooperate to resist separation of the posterior and anterior portions in the assembled position.

Abstract: A provisional prosthetic system and the surgical methods for utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the provisional prosthetic system includes a keel and a plate configured to be secured to the keel. The keel may further include a body and at least one fin extending outwardly therefrom. The fin functions to prevent rotation of the keel once it is implanted within a bone. In one embodiment, the plate includes a captured screw having a flanged head and external threads. The captured screw is retained by the plate and configured to secure the plate to the keel. In this embodiment, the captured screw extends through an aperture in the plate. Further, the captured screw may be retained by the plate due to the interaction of the flange head and external threads of the captured screw with the top and bottom surfaces of the plate, respectively.

Abstract: An implantable device for providing one-way flow of air through a lumen in a human lung to reduce the volume of air trapped in a diseased portion of the lung by occluding the lumen to prevent inhalation while permitting expiration out of the diseased portion. The implantable device is deployable in the lumen with a catheter. The device comprises an umbrella-shaped, one-way valve. The valve is collapsible for containment within a catheter and expandable in situ when deployed to occlude the lumen. The valve defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of metal struts, a resilient membrane, and a central post. The device further comprises an anchor for securing the implantable device within the lumen. The anchor comprises a tapered distal end for penetrating the wall of the lumen, and a planar member positioned to limit advancement of the anchor into the lumen. The implantable device further comprises a mechanism connecting the one-way valve to the anchor.

Abstract: A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent for introduction into a hollow organ, in particular the gastrointestinal tract, of a human or animal patient, which brings about vacuum sealing of leaks, such as anastomosis insufficiencies, in the hollow organ.

Abstract: The invention in some embodiments relates to systems and methods of controlling pressure within a prosthetic knee. The knee in one embodiment comprises a flexible diaphragm that substantially prevents or mitigates undesirable pressure build-up in a sealed chamber of the knee. The knee in another embodiment comprises a compressible gas in the chamber that substantially prevents or mitigates undesirable pressure build-up in the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, for example of human keratin fibers, such as the hair, containing, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, a) at least one oxidation dye, b) at least one associative polymer, and c) at least one aminosilicone, wherein the at least one aminosilicone/at least one associative polymer weight ratio is greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: An exemplary repairing method includes providing a substrate having a plurality of conducting lines; detecting a broken position of one of the conducting lines; switching on a nozzle; and forming a copper layer at the broken position on the substrate. The repairing method of the present invention employing a repairing device for performing a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method to forming the copper layer at a position of the broken defect of one of the conducting lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a solid electrolytic capacitor in which a solid electrolyte layer is provided by a process comprising a step of dipping a valve-acting metal having thereon a dielectric film layer in a monomer-containing solution, followed by drying (Step 1), a step of dipping the valve-acting metal in an oxidizing agent-containing solution, followed by drying (Step 2), and a step of dipping the valve-acting metal in an oxidizing agent-free solution, followed by drying (Step 3); and to a solid electrolytic capacitor produced thereof.

Abstract: Fuel additives, fuel formulations, and processes for their preparation and use are provided. The additives improve the combustion properties of hydrocarbon fuels. The enhanced combustion indicates reductions in certain emissions.

Abstract: A triglyceride-to-fuel conversion process including the steps of (a) preconditioning unsaturated triglycerides by catalytic conjugation, cyclization, and cross-link steps; (b) contacting the modified triglycerides with hot-compressed water containing a catalyst, wherein cracking, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, dehydration, aromatization, or isomerization, or any combination thereof, of the modified triglycerides produce a crude hydrocarbon oil and an aqueous phase containing glycerol and lower molecular weight molecules, and (c) refining the crude hydrocarbon oil to produce various grades of biofuels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fuel reformer can comprise: a mixing zone capable of mixing a fuel and an oxidant to form a fuel mixture and a reforming zone disposed downstream of the mixing zone. The reforming zone comprises a primary substrate and a secondary substrate. The primary substrate is disposed upstream of the secondary substrate and has a primary thermal mass that is greater than a secondary thermal mass of the secondary substrate. One embodiment of a method for operating a fuel reformer can comprise: mixing an oxidant and a fuel to form a fuel mixture, combusting the fuel mixture, heating the secondary substrate above its light-off temperature, changing an air to fuel ratio of the fuel mixture to a reforming mixture, producing an exotherm and a reformate at the secondary substrate, heating a primary substrate with the exotherm to above its light-off temperature, and producing a reformate.

Abstract: A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus to separate dust from air drawn in through a suction port body of a vacuum cleaner using a centrifugal force and to collect the separated dust is provided. The cyclone dust-collecting apparatus includes a primary cyclone unit to separate dust from air drawn in through the suction port body; a secondary cyclone unit disposed inside the primary cyclone unit to separate dust from air discharged from the primary cyclone unit; and a tertiary cyclone unit disposed above the primary cyclone unit at an angle different from the primary and secondary cyclone units.

Abstract: An elongate spike configuration of air filter for an automotive vehicle includes a cowl arranged to extend parallel to the ram air flow about the vehicle and resulting from movement of the vehicle at speed. The cowl is rotational and is power driven in rotation during operation of the vehicle such as to smooth ram air flow, reducing turbulence and excessive ram air pressure so as to improve running smoothness of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A vehicle air dryer comprising: a dryer cylinder for drying compressed air passing therethrough, an exhaust assembly for providing an additional air outlet, a backflow assembly for providing a backflow air passage, an air pressure governor assembly for maintaining air pressure inside the vehicle air dryer, an one way check valve for providing one way air passage for dried compressed air and preventing air leakage, and a dryer valve body having an air inlet, an air inlet chamber, an air outlet, a slanting air passage leading to the air outlet, a first opening for installing the exhaust assembly, an opposite, second opening for threadingly attaching the dryer cylinder, a third opening, substantially perpendicular to the second opening, for mounting the backflow assembly, and a fourth opening, substantially parallel to the third opening, for receiving the air pressure governor assembly.