Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes devices and methods relating to vacuums and vacuum assemblies. In some aspects, methods and devices relate to a vacuum assembly including a body defining an evacuated vacuum chamber, a conduit in the body extending between the vacuum chamber and an exterior of the body, a plug at least partially occluding the conduit, and a seal between the plug and the body that seals the vacuum chamber from the exterior of the body.

Abstract: An x-ray housing can include: a finned housing member having a tubular body with an external fin array on a finned external surface and an internal fin array on a finned internal surface, the finned internal surface defining a finned housing lumen, the internal fin array and external fin array cooperatively forming a heat exchanger; and an apertured housing member having a tubular body with an x-ray window aperture extending therethrough from an external surface to an internal surface, the internal surface defining an apertured housing lumen, the finned housing member having an annular end integrally coupled with an annular end of the apertured housing member to form a tubular x-ray housing having an x-ray housing lumen.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes devices and methods relating to vacuums and vacuum assemblies. In some aspects, methods and devices relate to a vacuum assembly including a body defining an evacuated vacuum chamber, a conduit in the body extending between the vacuum chamber and an exterior of the body, a plug at least partially occluding the conduit, and a seal between the plug and the body that seals the vacuum chamber from the exterior of the body.

Abstract: An x-ray housing can include: a finned housing member having a tubular body with an external fin array on a finned external surface and an internal fin array on a finned internal surface, the finned internal surface defining a finned housing lumen, the internal fin array and external fin array cooperatively forming a heat exchanger; and an apertured housing member having a tubular body with an x-ray window aperture extending therethrough from an external surface to an internal surface, the internal surface defining an apertured housing lumen, the finned housing member having an annular end integrally coupled with an annular end of the apertured housing member to form a tubular x-ray housing having an x-ray housing lumen.

Abstract: Integral liquid-coolant passageways in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a can at least partially defining an evacuated enclosure, a cathode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and an anode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure. The can has first integral liquid-coolant passageways formed therein. The can is configured to have a liquid coolant circulated through the first integral liquid-coolant passageways to thereby cool the can without the can being submersed in a liquid coolant.

Abstract: Integral liquid-coolant passageways in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a can at least partially defining an evacuated enclosure, a cathode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and an anode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure. The can has first integral liquid-coolant passageways formed therein. The can is configured to have a liquid coolant circulated through the first integral liquid-coolant passageways to thereby cool the can without the can being submersed in a liquid coolant.

Abstract: Integral liquid-coolant passageways in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a can at least partially defining an evacuated enclosure, a cathode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and an anode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure. The can has first integral liquid-coolant passageways formed therein. The can is configured to have a liquid coolant circulated through the first integral liquid-coolant passageways to thereby cool the can without the can being submersed in a liquid coolant.

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.