Abstract: The present invention is directed to effervescent compositions comprising a basic amino acid.

Abstract: A digit-mounted, spring-assisted device for launching a projectile in response to a launching motion of a finger by a user. The digit-mounted device may comprise a securing means for securing a launcher to the digit of the user. The securing means may comprise a strap, loop, or cinch. The digit-mounted device may further comprise a launch guide extending outwardly from a base member. A projectile may be mounted onto or into the launch guide. A spring may be mounted on the digit-mounted device which is placed under tension when the user prepares to make a launching motion with the digit. The projectile is launched in response to the user making a launching motion with the digit, using the thumb as a tensioning means. The spring is released from tension upon making a launching motion with the digit, adding to the force given to the projectile upon launch. The projectile may take a wide variety of forms.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage with an outer frame, an open inner core region and a porosity gradient within the outer frame is provided. The outer frame includes a posterior wall, an anterior wall, a pair of side walls extending between the posterior wall and the anterior wall and the porosity gradient may comprise at least one of: a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls; and an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multi-layer X-ray sources having decreased hydrogen within the layer stack and/or tungsten carbide inter-layers between the primary layers of X-ray generating and thermally-conductive materials. The resulting multi-layer target structures allow increased X-ray production, which may facilitate faster scan times for inspection or examination procedures.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring a locally attached printer using the locally attached printer's Ethernet interface. A USB device is installed between a computer and a locally attached non-networked printer and additionally connects to the printer via an Ethernet interface. The USB device uses SNMP (or other network protocols) to manage the printer via the Ethernet interface. The system may then report the management information to a central server.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring a locally attached printer using the locally attached printer's Ethernet interface. A USB device is installed between a computer and a locally attached printer and additional connects to the printer via an Ethernet interface. The USB device uses SNMP (or other network protocols) to manage the printer via the Ethernet interface. The system may then report the management information to a central server.

Abstract: Fabrication of a multi-layer X-ray source is disclosed using bulk structures to fabricate a multi-layer target structure. In one implementation, layers of X-ray generating material, such as tungsten, are interleaved with thermally conductive layers, such as diamond layers. To prevent delamination of the layers, various mechanical, chemical, and/or structural approaches may also be employed.

Abstract: An instrument and inserter kit for providing a load to insert or retract an implant 2000 is provided. The instrument includes a cover having an engagement end opposite a distal end. The engagement end is configured to mount to an engagement feature of a handle of an inserter. The cover is an elongated member having a C-shaped profile having a dimension configured to receive a sliding member. The sliding member is seated over the cover and is weighted. The sliding member is configured to slide between a first radial lip and a second radial lip so as to provide an impacting force or retracting force on the instrument.

Abstract: An instrument and inserter kit for providing a load to insert or retract an implant 2000 is provided. The instrument includes a cover having an engagement end opposite a distal end. The engagement end is configured to mount to an engagement feature of a handle of an inserter. The cover is an elongated member having a C-shaped profile having a dimension configured to receive a sliding member. The sliding member is seated over the cover and is weighted. The sliding member is configured to slide between a first radial lip and a second radial lip so as to provide an impacting force or retracting force on the instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production and use of a multi-layer X-ray source target. In certain implementations, layers of X-ray generating material may be interleaved with thermally conductive layers. To prevent delamination of the layers, various mechanical, chemical, and structural approaches are related, including approaches for reducing the internal stress associated with the deposited layers and for increasing binding strength between layers.

Abstract: In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray source. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to an anode and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a coupling portion extending between an interior of a vacuum envelope and an exterior of the vacuum envelope and a winding portion coupled to the coupling portion. Windings may at least partially surround the winding portion.

Abstract: An instrument with an implant holder disposed between a pair of tongs is provided. The implant holder may include a sleeve mechanically coupled to a distal end of a drive shaft and a pair of arms pivotably disposed within the sleeve. Movement of the sleeve in the distal direction pivots the pair of arms towards each other to grip the implant and movement of the sleeve in the proximal direction pivots the arms away from each other to automatically release the implant from the implant holder. The instrument may also include a dual mode drive shaft advancement mechanism that allows the implant holder to be advanced via an impact on the drive shaft from a tool such as a hammer or by rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray tube. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to the anode and may be configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a first pole and a second pole oriented towards the lift shaft. Windings may be positioned around the first pole. The lift assembly may include a heat dissipating structure.

Abstract: In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray source. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to the anode and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a curved surface that contours around at least a portion of the shaft wall. A radius of curvature of the curved surface of the lift electromagnet may be greater than a radius of curvature of the lift shaft, and the spacing between the curved surface of the lift electromagnet and the shaft wall may be non-uniform.

Abstract: In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray tube. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to the anode and may be configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a first pole and a second pole oriented towards the lift shaft. Windings may be positioned around the first pole. The lift assembly may include a heat dissipating structure.

Abstract: In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray source. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to an anode and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a coupling portion extending between an interior of a vacuum envelope and an exterior of the vacuum envelope and a winding portion coupled to the coupling portion. Windings may at least partially surround the winding portion.

Abstract: In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray source. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to the anode and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a curved surface that contours around at least a portion of the shaft wall. A radius of curvature of the curved surface of the lift electromagnet may be greater than a radius of curvature of the lift shaft, and the spacing between the curved surface of the lift electromagnet and the shaft wall may be non-uniform.

Abstract: An instrument with an implant holder disposed between a pair of tongs is provided. The implant holder may include a sleeve mechanically coupled to a distal end of a drive shaft and a pair of arms pivotably disposed within the sleeve. Movement of the sleeve in the distal direction pivots the pair of arms towards each other to grip the implant and movement of the sleeve in the proximal direction pivots the arms away from each other to automatically release the implant from the implant holder. The instrument may also include a dual mode drive shaft advancement mechanism that allows the implant holder to be advanced via an impact on the drive shaft from a tool such as a hammer or by rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A finger-mounted device for launching a projectile in response to a flick of a finger by a user. The finger-mounted device may comprise a securing means for securing a launcher to the finger of the user. The securing means may comprise a strap, loop, or cinch. The finger-mounted device may further comprise a launch guide extending outwardly from a base member. A projectile may be mounted onto or into the launch guide. The projectile is launched in response to the user flicking the finger, using the thumb as a tensioning means. The projectile may take a wide variety of forms.