Abstract: A biocompatible surgical fastener, comprising a sleeve and a screw or a pin, which expands when it is implanted in a patient. The sleeve is first implanted in a pre-drilled hole in the operating area of a patient, usually in a bone, cartilage or a bone and cartilage. When a screw or a pin is installed in the sleeve, the sleeve is caused to expand thereby stabilizing the fastener in the operating area. In many embodiments the screw or pin can be removed and reinserted without disturbing the tissue in the operating area. The surgical fastener can be used to repair tissue or to secure other implant devices in a patient.

Abstract: A bone screw comprising a threaded shank having a longitudinal axis and including a first helical threading extending along a first length of the threaded shank portion and a second helical threading extending from a location proximately adjacent the first helical threading and along a second length of the threaded shank portion. The first helical threading defines a first volume between adjacent thread turns along the first length, and the second helical threading defines a second volume between adjacent thread turns along the second length, with the first volume being different from the second volume.

Abstract: A system for treatment of a wound area of a patient including a first treatment pad comprising a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for cleaning and exposing a wound area to ultraviolet light, a second treatment pad comprising removal ports for exposing the wound area to a negative pressure, and a control unit interoperably connected to the first and second treatment pads for providing a negative pressure and the ultraviolet light to the wound area.

Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the inside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. Temperatures at the meibomian glands reach desired levels more quickly and efficiently when heating the inside of the eyelid. Reaching such higher temperature levels may be instrumental in removing obstructions in the meibomian glands. Less time may also be required to reach desired temperature levels when applying heat to the inside of the eyelid. A force may also be applied to the inside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss.

Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force is also applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus (and method) for reducing the risk of, and/or alleviating, male infertility, particularly in a heated environment, includes: a pouch to enclose the scrotal area of the male user; a thermoelectric cooling device to be worn by the male user at a distance from the pouch; and a fluid pump also to be worn by the male user for pumping a cooling fluid from the cold side of the thermoelectric cooling device to the pouch, and a cooling fluid over the hot side of the thermoelectric cooling device to dissipate the heat generated therein to the atmosphere. The thermoelectric cooling device and pump are incorporated in a waistband to be worn around the waist of the male user.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system comprises an inner tube, a medical device disposed about a portion of the distal region of the inner tube, a medical device sheath disposed about the medical device, a medical device sheath retraction device extending proximally from the medical device sheath and an outer sheath disposed about a portion of the medical device sheath retraction device. The distal end of the outer sheath terminates at least one medical device length proximal of the medical device. The medical device sheath is movable relative to the outer sheath and relative to the inner tube.

Abstract: A tack device for holding plaque against blood vessel walls in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease is formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material having a plurality of barbs or anchoring points on its outer annular periphery. The annular band has a length in the axial direction of the blood vessel walls that is about equal to or less than its diameter as installed in the blood vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the tack device is formed as a compressible metallic mesh band having outer barbs on outer sides of the mesh structure. Another embodiment may have a plurality of compressible mesh bands may be formed spaced apart coaxially from each other and connected by longitudinally extending bridge members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stent having less invasive ends and improved radial force. In one embodiment, the stent comprises a series of proximal apices disposed at a proximal end of the stent, a series of distal apices disposed at a distal end of the stent, and at least one angled strut segment disposed between the proximal and distal apices of the stent. At least one apex of the stent may comprise multiple curved portions. In one example, the radius of curvature of one of the curved portions is significantly greater, for example, at least 10 times greater, than each of the other radii of curvature of the apex. The curved portion having the significantly greater radius of curvature may be configured to engage a vessel wall in a less invasive manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stent with a highly flexible structure that is configured to provide an elevated degree of vessel scaffolding and to absorb torque applied on the stent. The stent may include an essentially tubular body formed by a web structure that is composed of a plurality of longitudinally adjacent web rings, each including a plurality of web elements that are disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the stent and that are adjoined one to the other by a junction bend. Each junction bend in a first web ring is coupled to another junction bend in a neighboring ring by a connector having a step-wise configuration, in which a central segment of the connector is disposed essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent and may become twisted to absorb torque imposed on the stent.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for deploying implantable devices within the body. The delivery and deployment systems include at least one catheter or an assembly of catheters for selectively positioning the lumens of the implant to within target vessels. Various deployment and attachment mechanisms are provided for selectively deploying the implants.

Abstract: A venous valve with a tubular frame that includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a lumen, and a cover over at least the outer surface of the tubular frame, where the cover includes surfaces defining a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the lumen. A system with the venous valve and a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the venous valve located between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter. A method including forming the venous valve and reversibly joining the venous valve and a catheter. A method including positioning at least part of the catheter including the venous valve at a predetermined location and deploying the venous valve from the catheter at the predetermined location.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same, are provided. A medical device includes a support frame having struts and a weakened frame portion, and a remodelable material tensionably attached to the support frame. The weakened frame portion has a first configuration in which the support frame has a first outward radial force and a second configuration in which the support frame has a second, lesser outward radial force. The remodelable material restricts expansion of the frame from a radially compressed configuration to a radially expanded configuration when the weakened frame portion is in the first configuration. The remodelable material can form one or more valve leaflets adapted to regulate fluid flow in a body vessel, such as a vein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile vascular prosthesis (1) with a circulatory pleating formed by folds (4), and with an arch-shaped longitudinal flexion (2) extending over at least a partial section and formed by asymmetric shortening gathering of the prosthesis wall by means of at least one longitudinal seam (7) extending along the partial section. The at least one longitudinal seam gathers the prosthesis wall while preserving the accordion-like structure (4) and the compacted state of the pleating (4) in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A prosthesis that resiliently engages a body passage includes an annular clamping ring which may be folded along a diametric axis for insertion into the body passage. The clamping ring is adapted to resiliently spring outwardly, once in position inside the body passage, and to be continually resiliently biased against the interior surface of the body passage. One or more of the clamping rings may be attached to opposed ends of a tubular graft. The rings and connected graft may be positioned in the body passage using a applicator which selectively permits expansion and/or in some embodiments contraction of the annular ring in position within a body passage. Alternatively a retaining member may be used to retain the annular ring in a compressed condition until it is in a desired position within a body passage. Among other potential uses, the present invention may be useful as a vascular stent for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent 10 and a stent configuration for manufacture of a bifurcated stent 10 are disclosed. The bifurcated stent 10 includes a first mono-tubular stent 12, a second mono-tubular stent 14, and a third mono-tubular stent 16 connected at their proximal ends to form the bifurcated stent 10. The first 12, second 14 and third 16 mono-tubular stents are connected using a first 32, second 34 and third 36 intraconnect extending from the proximal end of the first 12, second 14, and third 16 mono-tubular stents. A reinforcement member 130 may also be provided to reinforce the connection between the intraconnects 32, 34, 36. A reinforcing connector 112, 114, 116 may also be provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an implantable branched vessel prosthesis, such as a prosthetic valve, having both a radially expandable annular portion and a laterally extendable branch portion. Methods of delivering the branched vessel prosthesis to a branched body vessel are also provided, as well as delivery systems comprising the branched vessel prosthesis. The branched vessel prostheses are useful, for example, as implantable prosthetic venous valves for treating venous valve insufficiency. The delivery system is configured to deploy independently both the annular portion within a primary vessel and the branch portion within a branch vessel with only one delivery system.

Abstract: An intravascular stent having a prefabricated, patterned polymeric sleeve for controlled release of therapeutic drugs and for delivery of the therapeutic drugs in localized drug therapy in a blood vessel is disclosed. The polymeric sleeve is attached to at least a portion of an outside surface area of the stent structure. Alternatively, a plurality of individual microfilament strands are longitudinally attached to an outer surface of a stent structure in a spaced apart orientation and loaded with at least one therapeutic drug for the release thereof at a treatment site. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. Methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon coating on a stent having a bioactive agent covalently attached thereto and methods of making the same are described. The covalent attachment may be achieved via a photo-reactive chemical or a thermo-reactive chemical. In some embodiments, the carbon coating includes a diamond-like material. The bioactive agent may be heparin or superoxide dismutase enzyme or a mimetic thereof.

Abstract: Medical devices such as endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing one or more biostable layers (e.g., biostable inorganic layers) and a biodegradable underlying structure are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable structural element for in vivo delivery of bioactive active agents to a situs in a body. The implantable structural element may be configured as an implantable prosthesis, such as an endoluminal stent, cardiac valve, osteal implant or the like, which serves a dual function of being prosthetic and a carrier for a bioactive agent. Alternatively, the implantable structural element may simply be an implantable article that serves the single function of acting as a time-release carrier for the bioactive agent.

Abstract: A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises: a support member formed from a shape memory material, and a restraining member providing a restraining action on a course of the support member. The support member may abut one side of the valve conforming to the shape of the valve annulus upon said shape memory material assuming an activated shape while the restraining member restrains the course of the support member. The restraining action is removable for allowing the support member to assume a desired, altered course. The restraining member may be biodegradable to be degraded within a patient or may be detachable from the support member to be withdrawn. The support member according to another embodiment presents a shape change in that an increased cross-section is associated with a shortened length of the support member. The support member according to yet another embodiment has a first and a second activated shape.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Abstract: A two part lens system. The first part 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 contains a pair of haptics for fixating the first component within the capsular bag. The second component is an optical component that contains 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.

Abstract: An auditory ossicle prosthesis (10) which comprises, at one end, a plate-shaped first securing element (11) for bearing on the tympanic membrane or on the footplate of the stirrup, and, at its other end, a second securing element (12) for mechanical connection to the ossicular chain or to the inner ear, and also a connection element (13) that connects the two securing elements so as to conduct sound, wherein the first securing element has a radially inner coupling area (14) for coupling the first securing element to the connection element, and also a plurality of web elements (15, 15?, 15?) for radial connection of the coupling area to radially outer portions (16, 16?, 16?) of the first securing element, is characterized in that the web elements are of such a geometric configuration, and their material so chosen, that the web elements can be easily broken off and the radially outer portions appended to them detached from the first securing element, such that the external diameter of the first securing element

Abstract: An auditory ossicle prosthesis (10) which comprises, at one end, a plate-shaped first securing element (11) for bearing on the tympanic membrane or on the footplate of the stirrup, and, at the other end, a second securing element (12) for mechanical connection to the ossicular chain or to the inner ear, and also a connection element (13) that connects the two securing elements so as to conduct sound, wherein the first securing element has a radially inner coupling area (14) for coupling the first securing element to the connection element, and also a plurality of web elements (15) for radial connection of the coupling area to radially outer portions (16) of the first securing element, is characterized in that the coupling area, the web elements and the radially outer portions are of such a geometric configuration, and their material so chosen, that a plastic deformation is effected by stretching or pushing together in the plane of the plate of the first securing element, by means of which plastic deformation

Abstract: An implant (5) for ligament and/or bone reconstruction is composed of biodegradable material suitable to be remodeled into vital bone and having mechanical strength for securely fixing a ligament in a bore or hole in bone with a press or form fit and/or reshaping a collapsed surface of bone into original shape. A surgical instrument (9) for ligament and/or bone reconstruction can be used to insert the implant (5) into bone and has a shaft member (3) having a first end (11), a second end and a longitudinal bore (15) having an inner diameter and pushing member (4) having a first end, second end and piston (16) in turn having an outer diameter smaller than or equal to inner diameter of the bore (10) so that the piston (16) of the pushing member (4) can be slidably arranged within the longitudinal bore (10).

Abstract: A unicompartmental knee prosthesis for implantation into a knee joint includes a body having a substantially elliptical shape in plan and a pair of contoured opposed faces including a first face and a second face, the second face including a concave surface. The prosthesis is free of fixation to a permanent location within the knee joint compartment. A peripheral edge extends between the faces and has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a cusp comprising a reverse curve downward from to the first face at one of the first and second ends. A first dimension D is defined by the first end and the second end, and a second dimension F is defined by the first side and the second side. A coordinate system origin (CSO) is at an intersection of D and F, the body including a material thickness at the CSO, where the dimension F is from about 0.25 to about 1.5 of the dimension D.

Abstract: This disclosure presents methods and devices for treating a tear, rent, incision, defect, aperture or delamination of the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ fixation delivery apparatuses, fixation apparatuses, patch delivery tools and patches positioned, at least in part, in or on aspects of an intervertebral disc for treatment of the intervertebral disc or its components. In some aspects, these techniques include the use of this includes a fixation apparatus that includes at least one bone anchor connected to at least one disc anchor by a shortenable elongate member.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided that includes a first component for engaging a first vertebra, a second component for engaging a second vertebrae, and a damping member is positioned therebetween. The damping member has at least two chambers connected by an opening. A fluid is disposed within the chambers such that compression of the first and second components towards one another causes the fluid to be displaced from one of the chambers to another chamber through an opening. The opening has a reduced size relative to the chambers to restrict the flow of the fluid between the chambers and provide a dampening effect. In some instances, the rheologic properties of the fluid positioned within the chambers are dependent upon the strength a magnetic field passing through the fluid. In other aspects of the present disclosure, prosthetic devices, intervertebral implants, spinal systems, implantation methods, and treatment methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an allograft intervertebral implant sized and configured for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a spinal fusion surgery. The implant is preferably manufactured from two or more pieces of allograft bone joined together by a joint, more preferably a dovetail joint. The dovetail joint being sized and configured to substantially follow the exterior shape or surface (e.g. perimeter) of the intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant may also include one or more bone pins for joining the allograft pieces, the pins being inserted into the implant at an angle substantially perpendicular with respect to the dovetail joint. The intervertebral implant may also include one or more through-bores for receiving ostegenic or bone graft material. The intervertebral implant is preferably sized and configured for insertion during a T-PLIF or PLIF procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for use between the vertebrae (8) of the spine as a placeholder for vertebrae or vertebrae parts removed from the spine, having a first implant part (2) and a second implant part (3), which can be adjusted against each other in the direction of the coaxial longitudinal axis thereof for changing the length of the implant (1), and having at least one mounting bracket (10) that can be attached to one of the implant parts (2 and 3), and which faces the adjacent vertebra, and partially overlaps the same. The mounting bracket (10) is formed by a vertebra attachment plate (11) and by a base plate (12) comprising a guide rail (13), protruding from the vertebra attachment plate, and serving for the radial adjustment of the mounting bracket (11) as opposed to the one implant part (2 and 3), is wherein a means is associated with the one implant part (2 and 3) for the radial fixation of the base plate (12).

Abstract: An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a spacer with a thickness and a wing, wherein a first configuration of the wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the wing has a second height greater than the first height. A periphery of the implant has a shape generally conformal with a shape of an inner surface of a cannula and a cross-sectional diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cannula. The cannula is inserted such that a proximal end of the cannula is arranged between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant is then urged into position between the adjacent spinous processes by way of the cannula, and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position.

Abstract: A fixed-bearing prosthesis includes a femoral component having a medial condyle surface and a lateral condyle surface. The knee prosthesis also includes a bearing having a medial bearing surface configured to articulate with the medial condyle surface of the femoral component, and a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with the lateral condyle surface of the femoral component. A tibial tray is secured to the bearing. The tibial tray has a platform with an elongated stem extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof. A posterior buttress extends along a posterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform, and an anterior buttress extends along an anterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform. Differently-sized tibial trays are interchangeable with differently-sized bearings.

Abstract: Various embodiments of femoral trochlea prostheses useable in a knee joint. The knee joint includes a patella and a distal femur with a femoral trochlea, or patello-femoral groove. In one embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a nonarticulating surface including contoured surfaces and/or planar surfaces. The present disclosure also provides a method for preparing a bone surface for receiving the prostheses described herein.

Abstract: An assembly for use in a procedure for implantation of an orthopedic joint component, comprises a head part of the joint component which has a tapered bore within it, and a connector part which is tapered inwardly along its length so that it can be received snugly in the tapered bore in the head part, the connector part having a bore within it. A tool includes a spigot which fits snugly into the bore in the connector part. Each of the tool and the connector part has a face which contact one another when the spigot on the tool is fully received in the bore in the connector part, and in which each of the said faces extends generally transverse relative to the aligned axes of the spigot and the bore.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are related to pellets that are placed within an extraction site that is in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The pellets are typically cylindrical in shape and comprise a material and a polymer coating. The goal of the pellets are to encourage sufficient new bone growth that jaw bone deterioration is prevented. The pellets create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of laminarily organized luminal organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The device comprises a biocompatible synthetic or natural polymeric matrix shaped to conform to at least a part of the luminal organ or tissue structure with a first cell population on or in a first area and a second cell population such as a smooth muscle cell population in a second area of the polymeric matrix. The method involves grafting the device to an area in a patient in need of treatment. The polymeric matrix comprises a biocompatible and biodegradable material.

Abstract: Described are methods for treating a topical wound in a patient. The methods involve applying to the wound a wound dressing including a collagenous biomaterial isolated as a sheet of tissue from urinary tract tissue of a mammal.

Abstract: A cover for a foot prosthesis comprises an opening at a top end of the cover, which extends into a cavity formed within the cover, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired rollover from heel-to-toe in a lateral-to-medial direction.

Abstract: A system and method for securing and tracking an electronic device. A method includes but is not limited to accepting a selection of a service to erase a hard disk drive in the electronic device; recording that the electronic device has been reported stolen; and erasing the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A polymer having at least one carbamate linkage prepared by: (i) reacting (a) at least one diisocyanate, polyisocyanate, or mixture thereof, and (b) at least one fluorinated compound selected from the formula (I): Rf(CH2)x[(CF2CF2)y(CH2CH2)z]m(R1)r—xH??(I) wherein Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; the total number of carbons in said formula (I) excluding (R1)r—XH ranges from about 8 to about 22; and (ii) optionally reacting with (c) water, a linking agent, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for cotton textile care in particular, comprising an anionic polysaccharide (in particular anionic polygalactomannan) having a mole weight higher than 250000. The composition can be a solid or liquid detergent formulation, a liquid rinsing and/or softening formulation, a drying additive contacted with wet textile in a dry textile, an aqueous ironing formulation, a prespotting washing additive deposited on the textile before a washing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions comprising compounds, which are molecular combinations of a phthalocyanine and a mono-azo dyestuff linked via specific linking groups. Further aspects are an improved shading process for textile materials and also use of these shading compositions for shading textiles.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a polysilicon thin film by depositing an amorphous silicon thin film and an upper silicon dioxide substrate on a lower silicon dioxide substrate, forming a conductive thin film on the upper silicon dioxide substrate, and applying an electric field and performing Joule heating to crystallize the amorphous silicon thin film, the apparatus comprising power terminals for elastically contacting both upper ends of the conductive thin film and supplying power to the conductive thin film, and support members for elastically supporting the substrate such that the power terminals closely contact both upper ends of the conductive thin film to form a uniform electric field at the conductive thin film.

Abstract: A method for producing a wound electrode assembly includes steps of: overlaying electrode strips (11, 13) and separator strips (12, 14) on each other, and winding the electrode strips (11, 13) and the separator strips (12, 14) on a take-up shaft (20) while pressing a pressing member (30) against the electrode strips and the separator strips. In the winding step, the pressing force of the pressing member (30) is increased with decrease in a tension T applied to at least one of the electrode strips (11, 13) and the separator strips (12, 14).

Abstract: A method serves for the pyrolysis and gasification of substance mixtures containing organic constituents. The organic substances (4) or the substance mixture containing the organic constituents are brought into contact with a heat transfer medium, for preference the ash (5) from a combustion reactor (2) in a pyrolysis reactor (1), for preference a shaft reactor and pyrolysed. The pyrolysis coke (10) derived from the pyrolysis is combusted in a combustion reactor (2), for preference a fluidised bed reactor, under the admission of air (11). In order to improve such a method, the raw gas (6) generated by the pyrolysis is purified in a crack reactor (3), for preference by a catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus for fast pyrolysis of biomass and other solid organic materials including a vertically oriented cylindrical vessel having a solids outlet proximate the bottom thereof, a vapor outlet, a top wall forming at least one opening, and an adjacent heated side wall. Disposed within the cylindrical vessel and extending through the at least one opening in the top wall is a rotor having a rotatable shaft coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel to which is attached at least one substantially vertically oriented blade having one edge connected directly or indirectly with the rotatable shaft and having an opposite edge spaced apart from the heated side wall, whereby a non-radial, preferably tangential, force is imparted on the feedstock in the cylindrical vessel. Also disclosed is a method for fast pyrolysis of biomass and other solid organic materials.

Abstract: A composition including an abrasive, a suspension agent, a surfactant, and a lubricant, is provided for removing scratches, hazing, discoloration, and other defects from plastic surfaces. The composition is applied to a surface and used to polish the surface. The defects within the surface are removed without the removal of significant amounts of the material. Accordingly, the present invention removes defects from surfaces without creating optical distortion.

Abstract: A filter element has a reinforcement band or ring along at least a portion of the perimeter thereof and performing a support function thereat preventing or minimizing damage upon attempted percussive cleaning of the filter element by service personnel striking the perimeter against an impact surface. Alternatively, a failure band or ring is provided along at least a portion of the perimeter and performs a designated failure function to a failure condition thereat upon attempted percussive cleaning, with the failure condition providing at least one of: a) an indication to service personnel that the filter element has been damaged and should not be re-installed; and b) a deformed condition preventing re-installation.