Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting an evacuated enclosure within an outer housing of an x-ray tube is disclosed. The mounting assembly comprises a clamp portion having a C-shaped configuration, and a bracket portion having a circular recess that receives at least a portion of the clamp portion therein. The clamp portion includes an aperture that frictionally attaches to a window assembly of the evacuated enclosure. The clamp portion is in turn mechanically attached to the bracket portion such that an aperture in the bracket portion is aligned both with the clamp portion aperture and a window disposed in the window assembly. The bracket portion further includes a concave surface that is shaped to mechanically mate with an exterior portion of the outer housing, thereby securably supporting the evacuated enclosure within the outer housing. The mounting assembly further includes structures for securing the x-ray tube within an x-ray generating device.

Abstract: An encapsulated stator assembly for use in stator-driven devices is disclosed. The encapsulated stator assembly includes a stator and a covering portion that envelops the stator. The purpose of the covering portion is multi-fold: first, the covering portion serves as a means for mounting and securing the stator, such as within the outer housing of an x-ray tube. Second, the covering portion is thermally conductive to enable heat produced by the stator during operation to be dissipated to the outer housing of the x-ray tube thereof. Additionally, the covering portion can include an x-ray absorbent material to reduce x-ray emission from the x-ray tube. Though x-ray tubes represent one advantageous application, the encapsulated stator assembly of the present invention can be used in a variety of motor and stator-driven devices. The encapsulated stator assembly is especially well suited for use in dirty or dusty environments.

Abstract: A dielectric connector for use in high voltage devices, including x-ray tubes, is disclosed. The connector comprises a dielectric material and is pre-formed before attachment to the x-ray tube. Pre-formation of the connector creates a first cavity portion therein that conforms in shape to a corresponding segment of the tube surface. A second cavity portion is also defined for receiving a high voltage receptacle. Upon attachment to the tube, the first cavity portion receives the corresponding tube segment. The high voltage receptacle is received into the second cavity portion and electrically connects with a receptacle defined on the tube surface. The receptacle enables a high voltage signal passing through the electrode to connect with either the anode or cathode disposed within the tube. Pre-formation of the connector enables connector testing and repair to occur before it is attached to the tube, saving resources, time, and cost.

Abstract: A dielectric connector for use in high voltage devices, including x-ray tubes, is disclosed. The connector comprises a dielectric material and is pre-formed before attachment to the x-ray tube. Pre-formation of the connector creates a first cavity portion therein that conforms in shape to a corresponding segment of the tube surface. A second cavity portion is also defined for receiving a high voltage receptacle. Upon attachment to the tube, the first cavity portion receives the corresponding tube segment. The high voltage receptacle is received into the second cavity portion and electrically connects with a receptacle defined on the tube surface. The receptacle enables a high voltage signal passing through the electrode to connect with either the anode or cathode disposed within the tube. Pre-formation of the connector enables connector testing and repair to occur before it is attached to the tube, saving resources, time, and cost.

Abstract: An encapsulated stator assembly for use in stator-driven devices is disclosed. The encapsulated stator assembly includes a stator and a covering portion that envelops the stator. The purpose of the covering portion is multi-fold: first, the covering portion serves as a means for mounting and securing the stator, such as within the outer housing of an x-ray tube. Second, the covering portion is thermally conductive to enable heat produced by the stator during operation to be dissipated to the outer housing of the x-ray tube thereof. Additionally, the covering portion can include an x-ray absorbent material to reduce x-ray emission from the x-ray tube. Though x-ray tubes represent one advantageous application, the encapsulated stator assembly of the present invention can be used in a variety of motor and stator-driven devices. The encapsulated stator assembly is especially well suited for use in dirty or dusty environments.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting an evacuated enclosure within an outer housing of an x-ray tube is disclosed. The mounting assembly comprises a clamp portion having a C-shaped configuration, and a bracket portion having a circular recess that receives at least a portion of the clamp portion therein. The clamp portion includes an aperture that frictionally attaches to a window assembly of the evacuated enclosure. The clamp portion is in turn mechanically attached to the bracket portion such that an aperture in the bracket portion is aligned both with the clamp portion aperture and a window disposed in the window assembly. The bracket portion further includes a concave surface that is shaped to mechanically mate with an exterior portion of the outer housing, thereby securably supporting the evacuated enclosure within the outer housing. The mounting assembly further includes structures for securing the x-ray tube within an x-ray generating device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. The integral housing is air cooled, and thus does not utilize any coolant. In addition, the integral housing is insulated with a potting material, which electrically insulates the integral housing and its components, and also limits the amount of noise emitted from the housing during operation. In an alternative embodiment, enhanced thermal and electrically insulating properties are achieved through the use of a potting material disposed in selected areas of the tube interior. The potting material cooperates with optimized airflow through the tube assembly to effectively and continuously remove heat therefrom.