Abstract: A pick device for playing a stringed musical instrument is taught. The pick device includes a center portion, wherein the center portion is configured to be positioned about a tip of a finger or thumb of a player in a ring-like configuration. The pick device also includes a head or first end portion coupled to the center portion, wherein the head portion is suitable for strumming and plucking/picking strings of the instrument, and a tail or second end portion coupled to the center portion. The pick device further includes a receiving slot disposed within the center portion, wherein the receiving slot is configured to adjustably receive the tail or second end portion. The player can rapidly transition between use of the head or first end portion and tail or second end portion when playing the instrument by repositioning the center portion about the tip of the finger or thumb.

Abstract: An anode target for use within an x-ray generating device including a target frame having an inner surface and an outer surface and a thermal energy transfer device. The thermal energy transfer device including a heat exchanger having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat exchanger positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the target frame; a cooling medium circulating through the heat exchanger for convectively cooling the anode target; and a thermal coupling medium disposed between the inner surface of the target frame and the outer surface of the heat exchanger, the thermal coupling medium thermally coupling the target frame with the heat exchanger while permitting relative motion between the target frame and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A head ring protects the valving assembly, or regulator, flow adjuster, and content gauge, commonly attached to a pressure vessel, such as a conventional pressurized gas cylinder. The head ring includes a base securable to the dispensing end of the pressure vessel. A plurality of posts are distributed about a perimeter of the base, each of the posts extending vertically upward from about the base to beyond the valving assembly. Each of the posts has a first end and a second end. A collar is secured to a portion of the perimeter of the base, and the collar extends vertically downward from the perimeter of the base. The collar includes a radially-extending flange at each end. A first ring horizontally extends from the posts and is secured adjacent to the first end of the posts. A second ring horizontally extends from the posts and is secured adjacent to the second end of the posts. The first ring and the second ring are radially positioned outward of the regulator, the flow adjuster and the content gauge.

Abstract: A thermal energy transfer device for use with an x-ray generating device or x-ray system including an anode assembly having a target, a cathode assembly positioned at a distance from the anode assembly configured to emit electrons that strike the target producing x-rays and residual energy in the form of heat, and a rotatable shaft supported by a bearing assembly. The thermal energy transfer device including a thermal gradient device positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with one end of the shaft, the thermal gradient device operable for transferring heat away from that end of the shaft, and a fin structure positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with the thermal gradient device, the fin structure operable for convectively cooling the thermal gradient device.