Abstract: Equipment includes bony anchoring members, one or two linking rods, intended to be connected to these anchoring members, and parts for connecting the rod(s) to the anchoring members; at least one anchoring member includes a proximal stud articulated with respect to a base portion enabling bony anchoring; clamping elements enable assembly of the connecting part on the anchoring member. The proximal stud includes a surface forming an axial stop, against which the connecting part is intended to rest, and the clamping elements clamp this connecting part against this surface which is positioned so that the connecting part, when clamped there against, is not clamped against the base portion so that there remains, after clamping, a possibility of articulated backlash of the proximal stud with respect to the base portion.

Abstract: A surgical implant engageable by a surgical tool having spaced apart jaws with inward facing tubular protrusions, is provided. The implant includes a body for interfacing with a bone structure. The implant also includes a head connected with the body having spaced apart posts juxtaposed by a stabilization member receiving area. Each post has an outward side face that includes an upper generally vertical surface intersecting with a generally inward directed under surface that in turn intersects with a lower generally vertical surface. The side face has a generally tubular cylindrical indention intersecting the upper vertical surface and the inward directed under surface.

Abstract: Bone fixation systems for stabilizing bones such as vertebral bodies are disclosed. The fixation systems include fixation connectors that preferably are equipped with bone anchors (e.g., screws, hooks, pins or like structures) for securing the fixation connectors to bones desired to be stabilized. The fixation systems also include linking elements (e.g., rods, plates or other members) for linking the fixation connectors together to form a stabilizing construct capable of maintaining a desired spacial relationship between bones desired to be stabilized.

Abstract: In a method of treating the spine of a patient, an access device is inserted into the patient with the access device in a first configuration having a first cross-sectional area at a distal portion thereof. The access device is actuated to a second configuration having an enlarged cross-sectional area at the distal portion thereof such that the distal portion extends across at least a portion of each of two adjacent vertebrae. A stabilization of the vertebrae is then achieved using either translaminar facet screw fixation or transfacet pedicle screw fixation.

Abstract: A cannulated screw which maintains compression at the interface between two or more materials in a medical or other setting to effectively secure bone to bone while minimizing separation between the bones and the securement interface. The cannulated screw has a flattened tip, which enables the cannulated screw to more readily bore or self-tap into bone or other material. The flattened tip of the cannulated screw comprises a plurality of cutting teeth which facilitate boring of the flattened tip of the cannulated screw into the material into which the screw is being inserted. In one embodiment, three progressive cutting teeth are provided on the flattened tip of the cannulated screw.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises an inflatable mattress defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The inflatable mattress is constructed to conduct a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body. The inflatable mattress includes a first zone inflatable to a first pressure and a second zone inflatable to a second pressure greater than the first air pressure. The inflatable mattress in an inflated condition defines a well for receiving the portion of the patient therein. A head positioner positions the patient's head so that the patient's breathing passageway remains out of contact with the heat transfer fluid. A method of adjusting the body temperature of a patient comprises filling the first and second zones, positioning the portion of the patient's body on the mattress, and directing the heat transfer liquid to contact the patient's body.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a polymer-based stent assembly comprising an inflatable balloon catheter and a polymer-based stent resistant to relaxation-related negative recoil are provided.

Abstract: A stent may comprise a graft having a plurality of outwardly deployable petals. A petal may include an internal inflation pocket. Upon inflation, the petal may deploy outwardly and provide support to a portion of a vessel bifurcation. Inflation may be accomplished by injecting an inflation medium into the inflation pocket. In some embodiments, an inflation medium may comprise a hardening resin.

Abstract: A stent (10) for transluminal implantation comprises a first, second and third stent section (11, 12, 13) for splinting and/or keeping open a hollow organ which are connected to each other via elastic tubular sections (14, 15). The stent (10) combines at least three different stent designs in one stent and can therefore be adjusted to the motion behavior of a hollow organ in an improved fashion (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A stent-graft having an exo-skeleton attached to a tubular graft, the tubular graft having a peripheral wall defining a lumen therein extending between first and second ends. One or more support elements, defining the exo-skeleton, are attached to the tubular graft, each support element extending generally peripherally around the tubular graft, each support element including generally axial segments and generally peripheral segments. A plurality of first fasteners attach the plurality of support elements to the wall of the tubular graft, at least one generally axial segment being slidably engaged by each first fastener. A plurality of second fasteners also attach the plurality of support elements to the wall of the tubular graft, each second fastener substantially anchoring a generally peripheral segment of the respective support element to the wall of the tubular graft.

Abstract: An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for rupturing a fibrous cap to controllably release vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by links. The stent includes struts and links of varying strengths about the circumference of the stent. The weaker struts and links require less force to open and, hence, may apply more stress to rupture the fibrous cap while the stronger struts and links protect the healthy portions of the body lumen. In another embodiment, the stent may include stress concentrators positioned on outer surfaces of the links. The stress concentrators are aligned with the fibrous cap prior to stent expansion so that upon stent expansion, the stress concentrators induce stress to rupture the fibrous cap, thereby releasing the vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: A coiled-sheet stent includes a tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a circumference, and a plurality of cylindrical bands formed in the tubular body, each band having a zig-zag pattern including a series of sequential diagonal elements connected to one another and extending about the circumference. A plurality of longitudinal connectors extend between and connect adjacent bands. The diagonal elements have an arcuate shape, all diagonal elements in each band being oriented in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction about the circumference. The tubular body is expandable between contracted and enlarged conditions, and the zig-zag pattern is expandable between unstretched and unstretched conditions, the zig-zag pattern being biased towards the stretched condition above a transition temperature, thereby at least partially defining the enlarged condition.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent comprising a plurality of spaced band-like elements and intersecting links is disclosed. The band-like elements have a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves of generally sinusoidal character to each band-like element. The waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks and troughs taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in the band-like elements open as the stent is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter. The intersecting links are substantially U-shaped and terminate in first and second shanks. The first shank of a link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on a band-like element and the second shank of the link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on an adjacent band-like element.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support and a plurality of fronds extending axially from an end of the support. The support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of the branch body lumen. At least one of the plurality of fronds is extendable into the main body lumen.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head, a connection element for connecting at least two anchoring elements, a receiving part having a first end receiving the head, wherein the head is pivotable in the receiving part, and a second end comprising a recess for receiving the connection element, a first pressure element which exerts pressure on the head to lock the head in the receiving part, and a second pressure element which exerts pressure on the connection element to press the connection element against the first pressure element. The contour of the surface of at least the first pressure element or the second pressure element facing the connection element deviates from the contour of the surface of the connection element.

Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices and methods of using the sheaths are disclosed. Sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, and an interior of the body is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device. Sheaths include a plurality of flexible or inflexible tubes arranged to form a ring, where the central cavity defined by the ring is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference.

Abstract: The application is directed to implants that are adjustable between collapsed and expanded orientations. The collapsed orientation includes a smaller height to facilitate insertion into the patient. The expanded orientation includes a larger height for spacing and/or supporting the vertebral members. The implants generally include three or more separate sections that are nested together in the collapsed orientation. The sections move outward away from each other in the expanded orientation. An expansion means may be operatively connected to one or more of the sections to move the implants between the orientations. Methods of use are also included for moving the implants between the collapsed and expanded orientations.

Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, and a core located between the plates. The core has opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in articulated manner over the core. The opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates have cooperating spherical curvatures. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. The peg locates loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.

Abstract: A posterior stabilized mobile bearing knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial tray, and a bearing. The femoral component is configured to be implanted in a surgically prepared femur, with the tibial tray being configured for implantation in a prepared tibia. The bearing is supported on a platform of the tibial tray and rotates relative to the tray.

Abstract: There is described a biocompatible implant for the filling of a cavity in a living organism such as, for example, a bone defect or an extraction wound, comprising an open porous scaffold and/or a composite matrix comprising a plurality of inorganic or synthetic granules and a synthetic polymer matrix, and further comprising a biodegradable membrane which is interconnectibly sealed to a surface portion of the scaffold or composite matrix such, that the scaffold or composite matrix and the membrane form a single piece of matter. In one embodiment, the implant is biodegradable.

Abstract: A food intake-limiting device for peroral implantation in the stomach adjacent a gastroesophageal junction is disclosed. The device can have an inner basket nested in an outer basket, a proximal entry opening and a distal exit opening to limit a rate of efflux, mesh openings in the outer basket for protrusion of stomach lining into the outer basket, and a plurality of spikes mounted tangentially on the inner basket for transfixing the protruding stomach lining. The inner basket is rotatable with respect to the outer basket to effect the transfixation. Also disclosed are an implantation/extraction tool, and methods for implanting and removing the device in a patient in need of obesity treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection implant for filling up wrinkles, thin lines, skin cracks and scars, for reparative or plastic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and for filling up gums in dental treatment. The invention concerns the use of biologically absorbable polymer microspheres or microparticles suspended in a gel. Said suspension is produced either ready-for-use or freeze-dried. The biological absorbability of the microspheres is controlled and enables the production of implants having well defined persistence and deliberately limited to 3 years.

Abstract: The invention relates to the control of a passive prosthetic knee joint with adjustable damping in the direction of flexion such that a prosthetic unit attached to the knee joint can be adapted for climbing stairs.

Abstract: Disclosed are certain oxazine disulfide dyes useful for the dyeing of organic materials, such as keratin fibers, preferably human hair.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric dyes of formula (1a); (1b); or (1c); wherein A and B, independently from each other represent a polymer backbone; X1 and X2 independently from each other are a linkage group selected from —C1-C10alkylene-; —C2-C12alkenylene-; —C5-C10cycloalkylene-; C5-C10arylene; —C5-C10arylene-(C1-C10alkylene)-; —C(O)—; —(CH2CH2—O)1-5—; —C(O)O—; —OCO—; —N(R1)—; —CON(R1)—; —(R1)NC(O)—; -0-; —S—; —S(O)—; —S(O)2—; —S(O)2—N(R1R2); or the direct bond; R1 and R2 independently from each other are hydrogen; or unsubstituted or substituted, straight-chain or branched, monocyclic or polycyclic, interrupted or uninterrupted C1-C14alkyl; C2-C14alkenyl; C6-C10aryl; C6-C10aryl-C1-C10alkyl; or C5-C10alkyl(C5-C10aryl); Y1 and Y2 independently from each other are a residue of an organic dye; or hydrogen; wherein at least one of Y1 and Y2 is a residue of an organic dye; An1, An2 and An3, independently from each other are an anion; a and b independently from each other are a number from 1 to 3; m is a number from O to 1

Abstract: A dye composition is provided and includes a non-aqueous dye and an ionic liquid. A dyeing method is provided and includes a process of applying the dye composition to an object, and a process of removing fluidity of the dye composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dyeing a substrate with a reactive dyestuff in supercritical or near supercritical carbon dioxide, said substrate being selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers; modified cellulose fibers; protein fibers; synthetic fibers and any combination thereof, wherein the method comprises dyeing said substrate by contacting the substrate with supercritical or near supercritical carbon dioxide containing a reactive dyestuff and one or more acids in a concentration of at least 0.05 mol.

Abstract: A singulation metal mold for singulating a plurality of semiconductor devices arrayed on a TAB tape has a punch as an upper metal mold of the singulation metal mold, a die block as a lower metal mold of the singulation metal mold, a knockout disposed to be slidable vertically inside a vertical hole formed in the die block, the knockout being operable to press up above the die block each of the singulated semiconductor devices left on the die block after the singulating, a press-up plate positioned under the knockout to support the knockout and linked mechanically to the knockout, and being operable to forcibly move the knockout vertically when the press-up plate moves vertically; and a press-up plate descent forcing mechanism that is operable to forcibly pull down the press-up plate.

Abstract: A battery (10) is disclosed having a lithium foil anode (11) embedded within a liquid electrolyte (12) which is positioned between two similarly constructed battery cathode halves (13) and (14). Each cathode half has a first glass barrier (16) coupled to a first porous metal substrate (17), a second glass barrier (18) coupled to a second porous metal substrate (19), a third glass barrier (20) coupled to a third porous metal substrate (21), and a lithium air cathode (22). A peripheral layer of edge sealant (25) surrounds the peripheral edge of the electrolyte and bonds the two halves together. The battery also includes an anode terminal (27) coupled to the anode and a cathode terminal (28) coupled to the cathode.

Abstract: A mold for a battery, such as a secondary battery, and a method of molding a battery, such as a secondary battery, using the mold, uses a minimum amount of a molding substance, such as a resin, has its molding time shortened, and has a safety vent of a can being prevented from being fractured by high pressure during a molding process. Runners, through which a resin flows, are arranged parallel to cavities and the safety vent of the can is positioned closest to the gates, into which a resin is injected after the can and a protective circuit board are seated in the cavities. Due to the structure of the runners of the mold and the location of the safety vent of the can, the amount of resin used and the molding time are reduced. A fracture of the safety vent is avoided since a lower pressure occurs at the location closest to the gates during a resin filling process.

Abstract: A vegetable lipid-based composition and candle comprised of a vegetable lipid component and a petroleum wax is described. The vegetable lipid component may include a triglyceride or a free fatty acid/triglyceride mixture. The vegetable lipid-based composition has properties that make it advantageous in candle production.

Abstract: A fuel emulsion consists of diesel, water and an emulsifier composition having a hydrophile/lipophile balance value of at least 4. The emulsifier composition comprises a polymeric non-ionic surfactant having hydrophilic and hydrophobic repeating units together with at least one component selected from fatty acid esters or partial esters of polyhydric alcohols; alkoxylated fatty acid esters or partial esters of polyhydric alcohols; and alkoxylated primary alcohols. Preferred emulsifier compositions according to the invention include mixtures of the polymeric non-ionic surfactant with at least two of the components. Especially preferred compositions comprise mixtures of the polymeric non-ionic surfactant with the fatty acid (partial) esters or alkoxylated fatty acid (partial) esters. The emulsifier composition may include an emulsion coupler such as a primary alcohol, e.g. octanol.

Abstract: Provided is a cyclonic dust collection unit for conveniently removing a foreign object filtered therein. The cyclonic dust collection unit includes: a first filtering chamber for filtering a first foreign object having a first size using a cyclone airflow; a second filtering chamber for filtering a second foreign object having a second size smaller than the first size of the first foreign object, the second foreign object being contained in the air passed through the first filtering chamber; a foreign object storing chamber for storing the first and/or second foreign object(s) separated through the first and second filtering chambers; a filter disposed in the first filtering chamber, for separating the first foreign object on an outer surface thereof; and a cutaway hole formed in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: A separating apparatus includes a shroud that has a wall having a multiplicity of through-holes. At least one baffle is provided on the inner surface of the wall of the shroud. The baffle directs the airflow entering the shroud towards the central region of the shroud, thereby reducing conflicting air currents. The baffle may also be used to assist correct assembly of the separating apparatus. The baffle may be arranged to locate with a member provided on another component of the separating apparatus, such as a cyclone assembly, in order to locate that assembly in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A cyclone collector is provided that includes a body having an inlet that draws air therein, a cyclone provided inside of the body, and an outlet that discharges air from the body. The outlet includes a passage portion having a passage and a closed portion under the passage portion.

Abstract: Rotor unit for a centrifuge for purifying flowing fluids, which rotor unit (12) comprises a plurality of disk elements (14) which are stacked concentrically one on another and provided with at least one centrally located fluid flow-through hole, where the disk elements (14) have lead-through openings by means of which the disk elements (14) are pushed onto a number of essentially axially elongate guide elements (16) distributed in the circumferential direction for guiding the disk elements in the circumferential direction and radially. The disk elements (14) are held together by a first and a second end element (18, 20) at the ends of the stack of disk elements. A central portion of at least some of the guide elements (16) are interconnected by means of a cross-stay construction (36) in order to prevent deflection of the rods owing to the centrifugal force during rotation of the rotor unit (12).

Abstract: An emission reduction device which may be removably affixed to a diesel engine's exhaust system. The device comprises an outer casing which may be divided into a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion of which is removably attachable to the exhaust system of a diesel engine; a carcass for holding a bobbin wherein the carcass is attached to the lower portion of the outer casing at the point where the exhaust enters the outer casing and the carcass has a beveled opening in a diagonal line in its proximal part and a bobbin positioned in its distal part; one or more fibrous blanket cylinders; and a guide for arranging and securing the one or more fibrous blanket cylinders within the outer casing. The fibrous blanket cylinders may be wrapped in a wire mesh. In an alternative embodiment, a second fibrous blanket formed into a cone with the larger diameter of the cone positioned proximally may be removably inserted in the carcass.

Abstract: A honeycomb structured body of the present invention is a honeycomb structured body in which a plurality of porous ceramic members are combined with one another through an adhesive layer, each of the porous ceramic members having a plurality of cells which are allowed to penetrate in a longitudinal direction with a wall portion therebetween and either one end of which is sealed, with a catalyst supporting layer being adhered to the wall portion, wherein, supposing that the rate of the pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of 10 ?m or less to the entire pore volume of the porous ceramic member is X1 (%), the porosity is Y1 (%) and the weight of the catalyst supporting layer is Z1 (g/l), these X1, Y1 and Z1 are allowed to satisfy the following expressions (1) and (2): X1?20?Z1/10??(1), and Y1?35+7Z1/40??(2) (where about 20?Z1?about 150).

Abstract: Several compositions of matter have been discovered that can be used in the manufacture of slow-release fertilizers that contain all of the essential elements needed by plants and humans. Slow-release fertilizers manufactured with these formulations can be used on mineral stressed soils to increase the quality and production of food crops grown on them. Additives, including phosphogypsum, silica sand, natural gypsum, clay, and coal dust, facilitate the timing of the release of the essential elements into the soil.

Abstract: Multimodal cermet compositions comprising a multimodal grit distribution of the ceramic phase and method of making are provided by the present invention. The multimodal cermet compositions include a) a ceramic phase and b) a metal binder phase, wherein the ceramic phase is a metal boride with a multimodal distribution of particles, wherein at least one metal is selected from the group consisting of Group IV, Group V, Group VI elements of the Long Form of The Periodic Table of Elements and mixtures thereof, and wherein the metal binder phase comprises at least one first element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof, and at least second element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Al, Si and Y, and Ti.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrometallurgical method for separating the precious metals and impurities of anode sludge obtained from copper electrolysis. According to the method, anode sludge copper is separated in atmospheric leaching; calcinated in two steps for separating selenium and for sulfatizing silver; the sulfatized silver is separated by leaching into a neutral aqueous solution, from which it can be separated by reduction or by extraction.

Abstract: A bale of ferrous scrap for use in a steel making process where the bale comprises a compacted volume of scrap with an external marginal layer surrounding a center portion of the bale and a package of elements formed from commingled flux being compacted into the center portion and encapsulated in the bale.

Abstract: Stranded natural gas, when contaminated by difficult to remove constituents such as Nitrogen and Oxygen, has long been considered uneconomical to process into pipeline quality gas and is abandoned or utilized in other energy applications where economically viable. Landfill Gas (LFG) is often considered a stranded gas although in many instances it is available at reasonable distances to natural gas pipelines, and has only rarely been processed for injection into natural gas pipelines. Other stranded contaminated gases, such as gases vented from remote oil wells or coal beds where access to transportation pipelines is not feasible are also candidates for collection. In many instances, billions of cubic feet of methane rich LFG has been vented or flared into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system for treating a contaminated gas stream is provided that includes a comminution device 204 operable to effect size reduction of a plurality of sorbent particles and form a plurality of comminuted particles, a plurality of nozzles 224 distributed through the gas stream and operable to introduce the plurality of comminuted particles into the gas stream, and a particle removal device 104 operable to remove at least most of the introduced comminuted particles and form a treated gas stream. The comminution device is in direct fluid communication with the nozzles.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing aerosols and, in some cases, vapor phase contaminants, such as mercury, from a gas stream. One method is directed to the removal of additional aerosols from a gas stream from which aerosols have previously been removed by using a screen in combination with a primary aerosol collection device. Another method is directed to the removal of both aerosols and vapor phase contaminants by using a sorbent in combination with a screen. Another method is directed to the removal of vapor phase contaminants by using a catalyst to convert the contaminant to a form that is more easily removed from the gas stream and optionally injecting a chemical to increase the rate of conversion. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the various methods of the invention.

Abstract: Adsorption of CO2 from flue gas streams using temperature swing adsorption. The resulting CO2 rich stream is compressed for sequestration into a subterranean formation and at least a portion of the heat of compression is used in the desorption step of the temperature swing adsorption process.

Abstract: A continuous pressure letdown system connected to a hopper decreases a pressure of a 2-phase (gas and solid) dusty gas stream flowing through the system. The system includes a discharge line for receiving the dusty gas from the hopper, a valve, a cascade nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the discharge line, a purge ring, an inert gas supply connected to the purge ring, an inert gas throttle, and a filter. The valve connects the hopper to the discharge line and controls introduction of the dusty gas stream into the discharge line. The purge ring is connected between the discharge line and the cascade nozzle assembly. The inert gas throttle controls a flow rate of an inert gas into the cascade nozzle assembly. The filter is connected downstream of the cascade nozzle assembly.

Abstract: The membrane air dryer includes a housing with an air inlet adjacent a first end of the housing, an air outlet adjacent a second end of the housing, a sweep air inlet and a sweep air outlet. A membrane separator has surfaces extending between and connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. A first sweep air passage in the housing extends between the first and second ends of the membrane along and including surfaces of the membrane. The first sweep air passage has an inlet adjacent the air outlet and an outlet adjacent the air inlet and connected to the sweep air outlet. The sweep air inlet and outlet is adjacent the air inlet. A second sweep air passage in the housing extends between the first and second ends of the membrane. The second sweep air passage has an inlet that is connected to the sweep air inlet and is adjacent the air inlet and has an outlet that is adjacent the air outlet and in fluid communication with the inlet of the first sweep air passage.